Oprah Winfrey slammed for ‘playing safe’ amid BLM protests, Internet says loud voice should be used fairly

In response to the surging civil unrest across the country, Oprah Winfrey, through her network, OWN, announced a two-night special called ‘OWN Spotlight: Where Do We Go From Here?’. The first part premiered on June 9 on OWN, across all Discovery’s 18 and US networks.

Joining Oprah were several prominent personalities, including Stacey Abrams, Charles M Blow, Jennifer Eberhardt, Ibram Kendi and Rev Dr William J Barber II, among a few others. The special featured conversations built around “What matter now?”, “What matters next?” and “Where do we go from here?”

Talking about what inspired her to create ‘OWN Spotlight: Where Do We Go From Here?’, Winfrey had previously stated, "I thought it would be both of interest and service to bring their ideas, concerns and comments into a national spotlight." However, on watching the first segment of the two-day special, many have noted that Winfrey wasn’t making the right use of the platform and a few have questioned her for “playing safe” by not touching sensitive issues. 

Calling her out for remaining quiet about Donald Trump’s presidency, one wrote, “Oprah, you haven’t said one word in four years regarding Trump! You’ve been playing it safe. Now you want to ask black people “where do we go from here”? You can’t talk about systemic change and have zero commentary on the leader of the system - Trump!! Get real!”

“Watched Oprah's 'Where do we go from here?' Not a single word about personal accountability, monetary cost of riots, the black-on-black crime, 75% single-parent homes, dismal,” added another. 

Meanwhile, some social media users seem to be upset with Winfrey for not using actively taking part in the Black Lives Matter movement. One tweet read, “If you are not equally outraged and show no concern for a 77-year-old black man, retired from law enforcement, slain on the streets, then you are @Oprah Winfrey. When you have a voice as loud as yours, you should use it in a fair and just way. @RealJamesWoods”.

“Where have you been during the riots? would have been cool if you were right in there with them. you should go to gitmo immediately!! You are not what you portray . Too many people are awake now!" asked another.