Mo’Nique Reveals How Oprah Betrayed Michael Jackson for Ratings (video below)

Oprah Winfrey has found herself in hot water once again, as actress Mo’Nique has publicly accused the television icon of betraying Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, for the sake of ratings. Mo’Nique has been vocal about her belief that Oprah exploited Jackson’s fame and his family’s privacy, adding her voice to a growing chorus of celebrities criticizing Oprah for her handling of her relationship with Jackson.

Mo’Nique’s Accusations Against Oprah

Mo’Nique’s dissatisfaction with Oprah goes back years, but it has resurfaced recently due to Oprah’s involvement in projects that Mo’Nique claims disrespected Jackson’s legacy. In particular, Mo’Nique has taken issue with Oprah’s decision to host the controversial program “Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverland” in 2019. The special featured Wade Robson and James Safechuck, the subjects of the HBO documentary “Leaving Neverland,” who had made allegations of sexual abuse against Michael Jackson.

Mo’Nique argues that Oprah’s support of these allegations was a betrayal of Jackson, especially given the fact that the claims had already been dismissed twice in court and were raised again only after Jackson’s death in 2009. The actress claims that Oprah gave Robson and Safechuck a platform to validate their allegations for the sake of ratings, even though both had previously testified under oath that Jackson had never harmed them.

The Betrayal of a Friend?

Jackson’s relationship with Oprah dates back to 1993, when she conducted a landmark interview with him at his Neverland Ranch. The interview was a media sensation, attracting over 62 million viewers and helping to cement Oprah’s status as a major talk show host. Jackson opened up about his personal struggles, including his difficult childhood, plastic surgery rumors, and his romantic life.

Many fans felt that Oprah owed Jackson, in part, her career success, as the interview was one of the most-watched television events of its time. But when allegations of sexual misconduct against Jackson surfaced years later, Oprah distanced herself from him. She refused to publicly support him during his trials, and after his death, she invited his alleged abusers onto her show, which many saw as an opportunistic move that undermined her past friendship with Jackson.

Mo’Nique’s Point of View

Mo’Nique hasn’t held back, stating that Oprah’s actions were motivated by self-interest rather than a genuine desire to address issues of abuse in Hollywood. In Mo’Nique’s opinion, Oprah was more concerned with capitalizing on the sensationalism of the moment than in ensuring justice was served. She claims that the way Oprah supported Jackson’s accusers was insensitive and, given Jackson’s repeated vindications in court, baseless.

Mo’Nique’s husband, Sidney Hicks, has echoed her sentiments. Together, they have argued that Oprah’s actions are indicative of a larger pattern of betrayal — a pattern where she befriends celebrities, gains their trust, and then exploits their vulnerabilities when it suits her interests. They suggest that Oprah’s treatment of Jackson is consistent with her alleged behavior towards other celebrities, including Mo’Nique herself.

The Celebrity Backlash Against Oprah

Mo’Nique is not alone in her criticism. Several celebrities have also spoken out against Oprah’s handling of the Jackson situation. Corey Feldman and the late Aaron Carter, both of whom knew Jackson personally, have come forward to defend him, stating that they never saw Jackson behave inappropriately. “Home Alone” star Macaulay Culkin, who was a close friend of Jackson, has also denied ever witnessing anything untoward.

Jackson’s family, including his niece Brandi and nephew Taj Jackson, have been particularly vocal in condemning Oprah’s involvement in “Leaving Neverland.” Taj has accused Oprah of legitimizing Robson and Safechuck’s claims without conducting proper due diligence, suggesting that Oprah was more interested in making a splash than in uncovering the truth.

The Oprah-Harvey Weinstein Connection

Adding fuel to the fire, critics have pointed out Oprah’s controversial friendship with Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced movie mogul who was later convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault. Oprah has often been seen in Weinstein’s company, and her refusal to denounce him even after allegations against him became public has led many to question her commitment to being an advocate for victims.

Mo’Nique has argued that Oprah’s reluctance to address Weinstein’s predatory behavior is proof of a double standard. She questions why Oprah was willing to lend her platform to Jackson’s accusers — despite a lack of concrete evidence — but has refused to speak out against Weinstein, whose behavior was widely known in Hollywood for years. It is, according to Mo’Nique, a troubling hypocrisy that calls into question Oprah’s motivations.

The Bigger Picture: Exploiting Friendships for Fame?

The backlash against Oprah is not just about Michael Jackson. It is about a perceived pattern of behavior in which she befriends influential figures, only to turn against them if it benefits her career. Mo’Nique believes that Oprah has a habit of using people until they no longer serve her purpose, pointing to her treatment of Jackson as a prime example of this behavior.

For many, the betrayal is particularly poignant because of Oprah’s status within the African-American community. Oprah was once seen as a beacon of empowerment, someone who used her platform to uplift others and provide a voice for the voiceless. But for those who believe Mo’Nique, Oprah’s willingness to turn on Jackson, a cultural icon, for the sake of sensational television has been deeply disappointing.

Conclusion

Mo’Nique’s accusations against Oprah bring to light a complex discussion about power, influence, and accountability in Hollywood. While Oprah has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping popular culture, the criticism surrounding her treatment of Michael Jackson raises important questions about the responsibilities that come with such influence. Was Oprah’s decision to support Jackson’s accusers a genuine attempt to shed light on abuse, or was it a calculated move to boost her ratings at the expense of a deceased friend?

Mo’Nique’s stance, along with the voices of other celebrities, suggests that the answer may not be so straightforward. For many, it appears Oprah may have crossed a line — one that has left a lasting impact on her credibility and her once-sterling reputation.