Oprah Winfrey Denies Rumors She Was Arrested For Sex Trafficking

BY Erika Marie 6.4K Views
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Oprah Winfrey Conspiracy
Oprah Winfrey became the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter after rumors surfaced that she was taken into custody for sex trafficking.

Someone has it in for Oprah Winfrey. The media mogul's name was reportedly trending on Tuesday (March 17) after QAnon, a far-right group launched a conspiracy theory that she was arrested on charges of sex trafficking. The message has been making the rounds on social media over the last week that states Oprah, Tom Hanks, Charles Barkley, Justin Trudeau, and a number of other Hollywood and political figures were recently taken into custody.

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According to the theory, all of these figures were named by Harvey Weinstein in his trial, and to cover up their involvement in sex trafficking, they've been detained for coronavirus links. The theory has been reportedly debunked by online sleuths, but as the internet goes, it didn't take long for the meme to circulate worldwide. Adding to the believability were photos that were supposed to be of Oprah's home being investigated by federal authorities.

After seeing that she was the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter, Oprah hopped online to deny the allegations. "Just got a phone call that my name is trending. And being trolled for some awful FAKE thing. It’s NOT TRUE," Oprah Winfrey wrote. "Haven’t been raided, or arrested. Just sanitizing and self distancing with the rest of the world. Stay safe everybody."

Ava DuVernay criticized those that participated in spreading the rumor. "Trolls + bots began this disgusting rumor. Mean-spirited minds kept it going," she tweeted. "#Oprah has worked for decades on behalf of others. Given hundreds of millions to individuals + causes in need. Shared her own abuse as a child to help folks heal. Shame on all who participated in this." Check it out below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.