In a revelation that has stunned fans and ignited fierce debate across social media, legendary actor Robert De Niro has publicly criticized media mogul Oprah Winfrey, claiming she is not qualified to be a role model for women. The remarks, which surfaced during an interview on a podcast known for its unfiltered celebrity conversations, have sparked a firestorm in both Hollywood and the wider cultural landscape.
De Niro, known for his blunt political commentary in recent years, did not hold back when asked about influential figures in American media. “Oprah has built an empire, yes,” he said. “But that doesn’t automatically make her a moral compass or someone young women should look up to. Being successful in business doesn’t mean you’re beyond critique.”
According to De Niro, the real issue lies not with Oprah’s business achievements, but with what he perceives as a disconnect between her public persona and private influence. “She presents herself as this universally empathetic figure, but behind the scenes she’s played power games just like everyone else,” he added. “We need role models with integrity, not just influence.”
What surprised many listeners wasn’t just the critique itself—but De Niro’s tone. Unlike past political rants, his comments on Oprah were measured, detailed, and delivered with a sense of personal disappointment. He spoke of a time when he admired her rise from poverty to power, but claimed she has since “lost her way.”
“She had a chance to be something truly rare in American culture: powerful, wise, and consistent. But over the years, she’s chosen celebrity over sincerity,” De Niro said. “That’s not someone I’d tell my daughters to follow.”
The reaction has been explosive. While some fans have praised De Niro for his honesty, others have condemned the actor for what they see as a baseless attack on one of the most respected Black women in American history. Oprah’s representatives have yet to respond publicly to the comments.
Critics of De Niro argue that Oprah’s decades of philanthropy, groundbreaking interviews, and advocacy for mental health and education make her one of the most effective and influential role models of our time. “You don’t have to agree with everything she’s ever said or done,” tweeted one user, “but discrediting her as a role model altogether is just absurd.”
Supporters of De Niro, on the other hand, claim he’s exposing a truth many are too afraid to acknowledge—that fame and philanthropy can mask self-interest, and that public adoration should never be mistaken for moral leadership.
This is not the first time De Niro has clashed with icons of American culture. He’s taken swipes at politicians, CEOs, and even fellow actors. But going after Oprah—someone often seen as untouchable—may mark the most polarizing move yet in his long and unpredictable public life.
As for Oprah, whether she responds or not, the conversation around her legacy has been reignited. And in a media landscape increasingly obsessed with authenticity, the line between influence and integrity is once again being called into question.
