
Does Oprah Winfrey has a double standard when it comes to domestic violence?
For the past few months, the talk show queen has been very vocal about her stance on domestic violence. But one reported domestic violence victim is speaking out against the media mogul.
After a highly publicized altercation that left 'Umbrella' singer Rihanna battered and bruised at the hands of then-boyfriend Chris Brown, Winfrey took to her talk show in March to discuss their situation.
"Love doesn't hurt. If a man hits you once, he will hit you again," Winfrey said.
Brown was offended by Winfrey's comments, mostly because he had a rapport with the billionaire–even performing at her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa.
The 'Run It' singer fired back on 'Larry King Live' and in People magazine: "'I commend Oprah on being like, 'This is a problem,' but it was a slap in my face. She could have been more helpful, like, 'Okay, I'm going to help both of these people out.'"
Winfrey later told 'Access Hollywood' that she stood by her comments. "Domestic violence is something that I wouldn't tolerate. Period," she declared.
During an interview with hip hop radio personality Angie Martinez, last week, Brown still stressed his displeasure with the talk show queen.
Last week, ironically, Winfrey invited gospel singer BeBe Winans on her show to promote his new reunion project with sister CeCe Winans. The 47-year-old Grammy Award winner also appeared on Winfrey's show Oct. 30 as a judge for her new 'American Idol'-styled karaoke challenge.
Maybe she forgot he's facing domestic violence charges for a February incident in which he allegedly shoved his ex-wife, Debra Winans, to the ground in front of their kids. Winfrey is a close friend of Winans and has supported his music endeavors for years. His 1997 song 'Thank You' even became an anthem on the widely watched talk show.
Mrs. Winans told TMZ that she's "hurt by Oprah's decision to have Bebe on the show," in light of her refusal to have Brown on after the incident with Rihanna.
Winans' domestic violence charge is pending until a 2010 court hearing.


Comments: (163)
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By: dpeach on 11/30/2009 7:20PM
Oprah recanted her committment to have him on her show after it was brought to her attention that charges had been filed for domestic violence. I honestly don't believe she has double standards. She has stood hard and fast on the domestic violence issue. This is just the media trying to find something to talk about and get people to read their junk, just like we are all doing now. They win!!!
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By: dm on 11/30/2009 3:54PM
Domestic violence is domestic violence. If you are a woman, and you are pushed by a man who God made stronger for reasons other than hurting people, then you have been abused. Abuse comes in various forms. Did you know if you spit on someone that you can be charged and arrested for assault? Mistreating a person however it is done, is wrong. However Oprah has never strayed from her stance on domestic violence. This is the media trying to find something to talk about regarding Oprah because they have nothing better to do.
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By: Cherryl on 2/06/2010 3:17PM
One thing is for sure "God Will Judge"... But... I just don't equate a push or shove that probably wasn't intended to hurt someone with someone actually beating another person. A shove/push that probably meant "move aside/let me pass". And even though Chris Brown was wrong, because he's young there is still time for redemption and change for him... with the right guidance and intervention.
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