Behind the Bastards – Part Three: Is Oprah Winfrey a Bastard? Release Date: January 21, 2025

Overview In this provocative episode of Behind the Bastards, hosts Robert Evans, Bridget Todd, Andrew T., and Holly Fry delve deep into the life and career of Oprah Winfrey. Moving beyond her celebrated status as a media mogul, the hosts critically examine the less-discussed and more controversial aspects of Oprah's journey, exploring how her rise to power intersected with moral panics, exploitation, and questionable ethical decisions.

1. Introduction and Early Career

The episode begins with Robert Evans expressing his overwhelming efforts to encapsulate Oprah's life, admitting, "I have to start this episode with our wonderful guests... trying to fit everything in." The hosts set the stage for an in-depth exploration of Oprah's formative years and early career moves.

2. College Years and Beauty Contests

Oprah's college years are marked by her participation in beauty contests, notably the "Misfire Prevention Contest." Robert Evans humorously critiques the contest's premise, stating, “We have to find the hottest person in order to represent not burning your family to death because you fell asleep with a lit cigarette in your mouth.” Oprah wins this contest, which the hosts suggest was a pivotal moment in her early public life.

A particularly notable moment is Bridget Todd's reflection on Oprah's noble intentions:

Bridget Todd [02:26]: "Robert. That is my mother."

This underscores the personal connections and influences shaping Oprah's path.

3. Early Television Struggles

Oprah's transition into television is fraught with challenges. Initially hired as a journalist without adequate experience, she openly admits her shortcomings:

Oprah [18:17]: "I lied during my interview. I don't know how to do this job."

This candidness earns her the respect and support of her colleagues, highlighting her charisma and determination to climb the professional ladder despite obstacles.

4. Move to Chicago and The Oprah Winfrey Show

In a strategic career move, Oprah relocates to Chicago to host AM Chicago, which swiftly becomes the top local talk show. Amanda Cullen notes in her thesis:

Amanda Cullen: "In 1984, Oprah moved to Chicago, which eventually led to her show becoming the number one talk show for 20 consecutive seasons."

Oprah's unique approach—blending personal vulnerability with targeted sensationalism—sets her apart from contemporaries like Jerry Springer and Phil Donahue. This blend is encapsulated by Robert Evans:

Robert Evans [38:30]: "Look at this crazy shit. Yeah, yeah, yeah."

5. Oprah's Impact on Talk Shows: Authenticity and Controversy

Oprah revolutionizes the talk show genre by introducing a balance of personal storytelling and provocative topics. Her willingness to share her own struggles fosters a deep connection with her audience:

Robert Evans [38:34]: "Because anytime it starts to lean too much, Oprah will drop some sort of anecdote about her own background."

However, this authenticity is juxtaposed with her strategic use of sensational topics to boost ratings, leading to a complex legacy of both empowerment and exploitation.

6. Controversial Content and Moral Panics

One of the most contentious aspects discussed is Oprah's role in the Satanic Panic of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The hosts argue that Oprah provided a platform for unfounded and dangerous conspiracy theories:

Robert Evans [65:52]: "Oprah is literally just doing the blood libel on daytime TV on the most popular talk show in the country."

They highlight her willingness to host guests who claimed involvement in satanic rituals, exacerbating societal fears and contributing to the spread of misinformation. This includes a critical examination of her coverage of the McMartin Preschool Satanic Abuse Scandal, where Oprah reinstated dubious claims despite a lack of convictions:

Robert Evans [72:07]: "Oprah is constantly following every twist and turn in this case breathlessly... relitigating the case on her show."

The hosts emphasize the harm caused by providing a platform for such unfounded allegations, drawing parallels to modern conspiracies like QAnon.

7. Oprah's Business Ventures and Profiting from Her Platform

Oprah's business acumen is lauded, particularly her establishment of Harpo Productions, making her one of the few women to own a major production company. However, the hosts critique her commercial strategies, especially her partnerships with diet programs and endorsements:

Robert Evans [56:03]: "A lot of the money that comes in is as a result of diet advice. She has deals and gets millions from groups like Weight Watchers."

This duality showcases Oprah's ability to influence public behavior for both personal empowerment and profit, raising ethical questions about her impact on societal norms regarding body image and health.

8. Conclusion: The Complex Legacy of Oprah Winfrey

The episode culminates in a nuanced portrayal of Oprah Winfrey. While acknowledging her significant contributions to media and her role in destigmatizing personal struggles, the hosts argue that her methods often bordered on exploitation and perpetuated harmful myths. Robert Evans encapsulates this duality:

Robert Evans [73:00]: "She is a once in a lifetime genius... but also, like, Oprah knew... some of this... was just trying to get eyeballs on the TV."

This complex legacy invites listeners to reassess Oprah's place in history—not just as a trailblazer for women and African Americans in media, but also as a figure whose influence had darker undertones that contributed to societal fears and misinformation.

Notable Quotes

• Robert Evans [05:26]: "Record everything you've ever say in a single day... and you will be amazed at how much of like the load bearing fat pillars of your reality are things you absolutely believe without thinking that are not true."

• Bridget Todd [25:14]: "I just don't think you should have to apologize right now. I take that burden from you. I'm sorry for Robert, but he's innocent."

• Robert Evans [43:16]: "It's impossible to overstate what a massive moment this is for Brightside, both television as a medium and also for Oprah's career."

• Bridget Todd [46:06]: "But first."

Insights and Analysis

The hosts provide a balanced yet critical analysis of Oprah's career trajectory, highlighting the intersection of personal authenticity and commercial exploitation. They argue that while Oprah empowered many by sharing her personal struggles, she also leveraged sensationalism to maintain and grow her influence, sometimes at the expense of truth and ethical responsibility.

The discussion on the Satanic Panic underscores the potential dangers of influential media figures endorsing unfounded conspiracy theories, drawing parallels to contemporary issues of misinformation. Furthermore, Oprah's business strategies, particularly her alignment with diet and wellness industries, reveal a complex interplay between personal brand building and profitable partnerships that may perpetuate unhealthy societal standards.

Conclusion

Behind the Bastards presents a compelling and critical examination of Oprah Winfrey, challenging the listener to reconsider her legacy beyond the public adulation. By dissecting her rise to power, controversial decisions, and the broader societal impacts of her work, the podcast offers a nuanced perspective on one of the most influential figures in modern media.

For those unfamiliar with Oprah's more contentious moments, this episode provides a thorough and engaging exploration that combines historical analysis with incisive critique, encouraging a deeper understanding of her multifaceted legacy.