SITAFA HARDEN

Sitafa Harden is a writer in Atlanta, GA.

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Oprah silent on Michael Jackson's death

Sat Jul 11, 2009 10:30 PM EDT

entertainment, death, interview, jackson, michael-jackson, oprah, oprah-winfrey, comment, winfrey, mj

By Sitafa Harden

Photo by vargas2040. (License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike).

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The Queen of Daytime Television's silence in the wake of the King of Pop's death is a mystery to the public and the media.

It has been over two weeks since Michael Jackson's shocking death, and nearly everyone who's anyone has commented publicly on his loss. Everyone, that is, except Oprah Winfrey.

Winfrey is well-known for being very selective in choosing the subjects for her shows and avoiding exploitation at all costs.

She was blasted last year for not having Sarah Palin on her show. And recently she cancelled a much anticipated interview with the parents of accused child murderer Casey Anthony.

Also, despite snagging a career-boosting exclusive interview with Jackson at his Neverland Ranch in 1993, Winfrey clearly distanced herself from the pop megastar following his court trials.

Still, it seems rather shocking that she has chosen to publicly ignore Jackson's death.

Perhaps even more shocking is the lack of public interest in Winfrey's silence. Somehow she has managed to escape a media backlash that even the President of the United States could not avoid.

When President Obama failed to issue a formal statement on Jackson's death, a media frenzy ensued. Every news outlet demanded to know if the President was snubbing Jackson. The speculation continued until Obama gave a personal statement during an interview with CNN on July 7th.

Despite the fact that "Michael Jackson" is currently the top search string on Oprah's website, Winfrey's deafening silence remains.

Maybe she is simply respecting the Jackson family's privacy. Or perhaps she is adhering to that age-old adage: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

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Public Discussion (33)

Sitafa Harden

I couldn't hold it any longer. I just had to say something about this.

1 vote

#1 - Sat Jul 11, 2009 10:50 PM EDT

Thunder Storm

I had mentioned her absence on one of my posts during the Staple's Center memorial. It appeared to me that she was purposely avoiding the press.

I agree with you...there is something going on behind the scenes that will more than likely surface at a later date.

1 vote

#1.1 - Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:08 PM EDT

Gulliver's Island

Maybe she will mention it in a memoir some day.

My guess is that she has done some serious studying into domestic abuse issues and has more than a casual understanding of pedophilia. If she believes he was a pedophile then she probably can't bring herself to say anything about M.J. that only praises him.

It sure seems to me that MJ was a pedophile, and if he wasn't, it was only in a technical sense. What does give me some doubt though is that the cases seemed to be mainly brought by shady opportunists looking to cash in. The desire to forgive Michael Jackson upon his death was a national phenomenon. That's what we're supposed to do when people die.

I guess there could be alternative explanations that have more to do with Oprah and her relationship to her own audience rather than MJ and his relationship to his.

1 vote

#1.2 - Tue Jul 14, 2009 3:38 PM EDT

jane henderson

yes,opra is keeping quiet about the situation. trust me i understand why. shes a very rich black women and shes doing her own investigation first before she come out in publick if we all know opra ,she will get to the bottom of this. not only is mj a star ,hes ablack man and one thing about opra is she love her people nomatter what shes another star that went from black to white but she still know where she come from. and she know who got all the money so yes she will go from black to white viewers on her show but the main thing is that opra is gathering up her on investigation because not only is one of black peoples is murdered looks like they tring to frame a black man for his murder. the doctor is being set up for murder something like the atlantic child murders back up in the 80s.and opra is not gonna let thaty go down because that women is the author of the movie beloved so you know she knows exaclly whats going on. if opras as smart as me she already know the murder,the motive ,and what to gain from it all .i know it to money is the root to all evil. and who gets all the money out of mj death.

1 vote

#2 - Sat Jul 11, 2009 11:44 PM EDT

chaz666

personally i'm holding out for Flava Flav and Thelma from Good Times' take on the whole thing. only then will I have closure.

2 votes

#3 - Sun Jul 12, 2009 12:35 AM EDT

Bill Harrison

Thank god that fat idiot has kept her mouth shut -- for once.

3 votes

#4 - Sun Jul 12, 2009 1:47 AM EDT

caroaber

This seed is not about Rush.

Ms. Winfrey is a TV personality. She is not the friend of everyone she interviews. (There was speculation about why she wasn't invited to Tom Cruise's wedding. Why? They hardly knew each other.) She has not chosen to "publicly ignore" MJ's death. She is outside this family's circle. Michael was L.A., she is Chicago. She doesn't need to comment, and if she chooses to it should be at her own discretion.

It never occurred to me that she should comment.

#4.1 - Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:53 AM EDT

Thunder Storm

Well, friend or not, she was riding around on a snow mobile with Tom Cruise on his property.

I could care less if she comments, but as far as she being Chicago and he being LA...Oprah has a lavish home in Montecito, California which is in Santa Barbara County, and Jackson's Santa Inez location is also in the same county.

1 vote

#4.2 - Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:17 PM EDT

JustinPM

That must mean she condones it! I haven't even glanced at Oprah for at least 8 years or so, but I don't believe everybody in the media needs to affirm that Michael Jackson is dead. We had ridiculous levels of news coverage for the better part of a week and a half. We need to move on. I know every time I would go to work they'd be watching the news I'd ask if Michael Jackson was still dead. 'Cause the last thing we need is a zombie Michael Jackson.

#5 - Sun Jul 12, 2009 2:26 AM EDT

FDBryant3

Maybe she is simply respecting the Jackson family's privacy. Or perhaps she is adhering to that age-old adage: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

Either way while inquiring minds might want to know, it doesn't mean we have right or need to know.

3 votes

#6 - Sun Jul 12, 2009 4:01 AM EDT

Sitafa Harden

True. But the Big O lives in the public eye, and she is smart enough to know that two weeks without even bothering to make a brief statement or post a line about MJ on her website can be seen as snub.

It would have taken little or no effort on her part to have her staff send a two-liner to the press publicly expressing her condolences to the Jackson family (like everybody else did). No one would've even paid much attention to that.

But instead she decided to let a potential snub linger out there for this long. And I think a lot of people will be taking notice of it.

#6.1 - Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:27 AM EDT

CasualObservations

My thinking is that her silence could be for one of two opposite reasons: either she is respecting the family's right to not be bothered by everyone trying to put their two cents in (not likely, since best wishes to the family could never be intrusive), OR, she is hoping to call more attention to herself by purposely not saying anything. This is the one I'm leaning toward.

1 vote

#6.2 - Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:15 PM EDT

Rodney-889389

Thank god that fat idiot has kept her mouth shut

I would love to be a idiot like Ms. Winfry.

BTW - She is at home in her top floor penthouse and you are...here calling HER an idiot.

Wow, that says more about you than her!

idiot:

1.
an utterly foolish or senseless person.

2.
Psychology. a person of the lowest order in a former classification of mental retardation, having a mental age of less than three years old and an intelligence quotient under 25.

#7 - Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:59 AM EDT

Aunk (The Cultural Health Guy)

H&R S, it will be interesting to understand what her silence means in the end.

1 vote

#8 - Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:40 AM EDT

R.SAENZDeleted

Greg-281912

She's between the proverbial rock and a hard place. If she says anything, the media will scream that she is trying to boost ratings through MJ's death. If she doesn't...well...see article above.

1 vote

#10 - Mon Jul 13, 2009 10:10 AM EDT

Sitafa Harden

Good point.

#10.1 - Mon Jul 13, 2009 10:57 AM EDT

Free_Thinker

wow, who cares what she thinks about it. Not everyone cares.

1 vote

#11 - Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:45 AM EDT

Sitafa Harden

I care.

1 vote

#11.1 - Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:59 AM EDT

DragonWoman

Why is it that we expect public personalities and leaders to comment on this?

I get the impression Michael Jackson has left upon the African-Amercan community, but don't you think the world will still turn if Oprah does not comment on this?

2 votes

#12 - Mon Jul 13, 2009 7:03 PM EDT

Sitafa Harden

I can't speak for the whole world, but my O-watching days might be over.

#12.1 - Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:48 PM EDT

DragonWoman

That is pretty sad. You can not base your entire perspective of life on what one person thinks of another person.

This is the summer time. I am sure there will be a show on this later, when all the hoopla and speculation dies down and some truth comes out.

Right now there is a media circus surrounding the death of a human being.

Not only is Oprah smart for not getting involved in all the phony and real public tear fest.... she is leaving the family alone to grieve.

1 vote

#12.2 - Tue Jul 14, 2009 8:47 AM EDT

Sitafa Harden

Well, you're entitled to your viewpoint. However, it's clear to see that a big time star can make a respectful statement/acknowledgement of condolesence without it devolving into a media circus (since almost every other famous person on the planet managed to so).

Personally, I wouldn't even want her to do a show about this at a later date because THAT would seem like a phony, opportunistic, and untimely re-dredging up of his death. The funeral was last week, the time to do or say something was then.

To me it's just a matter of respect for MJ. Of course, it's possible that she didn't feel even a modicum of respect for him and that's why she has said nothing. In that case, I believe she is fully entitled to feel that way, but I just won't be patronizing her products any longer.

BTW, I'm not basing my opininon of life on this, I'm basing my opinion of Oprah on this.

From your comments, you don't seem to be an avid fan of either MJ or Oprah so I'm not quite sure why this topic is even of any interest to you. But for those of us who happen to be staunch supporters of both MJ and Oprah, it is on our minds.

#12.3 - Tue Jul 14, 2009 11:27 AM EDT

DragonWoman

Sitafa,

I have mega respect for Oprah, and have had a subscription to her magazine since it started. I was born in '67 and I grew up on MJ. I still have Jackson 5 records, Off the Wall, and Thriller.... as records.

I am speaking on this, because it seems rather weird to me that someone would put so much emphasis on what one person thought or felt. For all you know, she privately called the Jackson family and sent her condolences.

Here is a question, I have been thinking about... but no one has asked.

I was in love with MJ in my teens.... LOVED HIM. Yes as he grew odder and physically and musically changed, I stopped buying records/cd's. After he died, I went to my CD collection. It is a 6 foot tall spinning 4 sided rack..... NOT ONE Michael Jackson CD. I had given my brother the only one I bought... BAD. 4 Janet Jackson CD's... Not one Michael.

Here is the question missing from TV when they talk about how Michael Jackson's album is number one since he died.... Why?

These are old albums.... Did people suddenly become interested...because he is dead? If so, are they really a fan of the artist? Or are they attracted to the spectical of it?

1 vote

#12.4 - Tue Jul 14, 2009 6:30 PM EDT

Thunder Storm

I have tried to get into the magazine, but every time I browse through it, it is mostly advertisements, just like People. I don't want to be bombarded with ads.

I had his music all of these years and still enjoy hearing it. I love Janet too. I guess when you are a music lover, you appreciate the artist for the artist and not for their fame.

1 vote

#12.5 - Tue Jul 14, 2009 8:04 PM EDT

Sue-715551

I for one have never cared for her program every since it started, and I still don't. It doesn't matter to me what she thinks. I live my life, read what I want to read, and she can do the same; she is just another person as far as I'm concerned, no better, and no worse then anyone else.

1 vote

#13 - Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:45 PM EDT

DragonWoman

I have watched the show, read one of the books (hated the ending of it... but good book), I have a subscription to the magazine I never have enough time to read all of (she publishes books not magazines)...

all that said, yes I have my own mind and do not wait around for her to comment on everything that happens in the world.

1 vote

#13.1 - Tue Jul 14, 2009 8:49 AM EDT

galad

Michael jackson death is not everything that happens in the world BTW Oprah is not the only one, Bill cosby, Eddie Murphy to start with. Michael is dead life goes on nobody cares what everbody thinks

1 vote

#13.2 - Tue Jul 14, 2009 5:54 PM EDT

DragonWoman

I simply believe that people who really care, send their condolences in priviate... they don't cry on TV, send condolences via the Today Show, TMZ, E- television, Entertainment Tonight, or even BET.

They send flowers, letters, phone calls. It is not about Oprah, Eddie, Bill , P-Diddy, Usher....

It is about the family.

1 vote

#13.3 - Tue Jul 14, 2009 6:34 PM EDT

Thunder Storm

Excellent point!

1 vote

#13.4 - Tue Jul 14, 2009 8:05 PM EDT

Sitafa Harden

For all you know, she privately called the Jackson family and sent her condolences.

You're right, and I hope she did. But that's not the point to me. The point is that, due to her public silence on the subject, many fans will have a question mark in their minds wondering whether or not it was a snub.

It's not Oprah's personal opinion that I care about---clearly I have my own feelings about MJ that are unwavering. It's whether she respected MJ enough to not allow a negative perception to linger out there like this when she could have easily and discretely nipped it in the bud with little or no effort. If she chooses never to speak on it, that's her right. Likewise, it's my right to find it unacceptable.

BTW...I checked today and "Michael Jackson" is STILL the top search string on Oprah.com (even though there is barely any info to be found). So clearly her audience around the world is interested, too.

Below I've just pasted a few of the tons of comments people are leaving on Oprah.com's message boards:

I would like to know why there is nothing on Michael Jackson. There is nothing on home page, nothing..Was there a TV program and I did not see it..Will Oprah have something on him..I saw Oprah program on Friday and nothing was said. Why?

I was wondering if you were going to do something special concerning Michael Jackson. We miss you and need to hear from you concerning this. I mean you are the top black woman in the industry and for you not to do a special concerning the black King of Pop would be considered uncivilized! Please think about this. We need you

I am truly disappointed by Oprah's silence on the death of Michael Jackson. He was the Greatest Entertainer that Ever Lived. Oprah you speak of compassion and forgiveness and understanding, but the truth is that one's actions or lack there of, speak louder than words. Everyone has ... should look beyond labels and come together. Michael was a huge inspiration to the world

I find the avoidance of the subject on the show really amazing- am i the only one? i think everyone wants to know WHAT"S UP?? who cares about dr OZ and health recipies when it's time to mourn and remember the fenomenon that was Michael Jackson? every little two pennys reporter and show takes the subject and Oprah doesn't?? Oprah we are all waiting for the show- WHERE IS IT?????

Oprah the fans are waiting to hear your feelings about the death of Michael Jackson.

#13.5 - Wed Jul 15, 2009 8:43 PM EDT

DragonWoman

Wow... clearly the problem is more than one person.

You may think... WTF???

Why is it so important?

If she gives her opinion, people will say... Who does she think she is?

If she does not... It is a snub????

People are making much to do about nothing.

I have to wonder who those people are who are leaving those messages. Are they reporters trying to create ... yet more sensational news????

This is a crying shame. There is way way too much going on right now, then to worry about what one celebrity thinks about another's death.

I wish you luck on your endevors Sitafa. There was nothing personal, nor was I attacking you. I am genuionly interested in why this is so important to people. It seems like there is way to much non-issues being created, and real ones ignored.

1 vote

#13.6 - Thu Jul 16, 2009 7:53 PM EDT

Sitafa Harden

Thanks, DW. I really appreciate your thoughts. MJ has always meant so much to me (as has Oprah to a certain extent). I know it may be hard for some people to understand why, but I'd like to think my heart is big enough to worry about Judge Sotomayor's confirmation hearings, Iran, Africa, and other global and political issues and still be concerned about certain issues pertaining to Michael's death and honoring his life. I guess for me, it's never been a matter of either or.

1 vote

#13.7 - Fri Jul 17, 2009 2:21 PM EDT

DragonWoman

Fair enough... good luck.

1 vote

#13.8 - Fri Jul 17, 2009 3:33 PM EDT

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SITAFA HARDEN

Oprah silent on Michael Jackson's death

The Queen of Daytime Television's silence in the wake of the King of Pop's death is a mystery to the public and the media.

Published to:

FUN STUFF:

COMPANY STUFF:

LEGAL STUFF: