Oprah Winfrey Discusses Distance from Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz

Oprah Winfrey, a distinguished talk show host, has recently commented on her relationship with Dr. Phil McGraw and Dr. Mehmet Oz. Both individuals achieved media stardom with Winfrey’s support but have since become known for their conservative affiliations.

During an interview with Emmy Magazine, Winfrey reflected on her experiences with McGraw and Oz. When asked about her connection to them, she acknowledged, “People criticize me for Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz, because of their politics or their views.” She revisited a difficult legal battle from the late ’90s, recalling how Dr. Phil was supportive during her trial, often accompanying her on her way to court.

In recent years, both McGraw and Oz have stepped into political arenas. Oz received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump during his 2022 Senate run in Pennsylvania, though he lost to Sen. John Fetterman. McGraw has maintained his political preferences privately but attended Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden in 2024 and was involved in ICE operations with Trump’s border adviser, Tom Homan.

Winfrey emphasized that her decision to promote McGraw and Oz stemmed from her belief in the valuable information they could provide audiences. For her, Dr. Phil’s down-to-earth demeanor and practical advice were beneficial during challenging times. Similarly, she found Dr. Oz’s simple explanations of medical concepts like colon cancer enlightening, making complex topics accessible to viewers.

Winfrey concluded her reflections by stating, “Everybody has their own path in life, and it has not one thing to do with me, and I don’t have one thing to do with them.” She reiterated that her initial intention was to share the impactful insights they offered her with a broader audience.

Curtis Houck, managing editor of Media Research Center’s NewsBusters, commented on Winfrey’s political engagement. He noted that Winfrey seems comfortable aligning with progressive figures and causes but suggested she should not be considered non-partisan. He remarked that while Winfrey supports progressives, Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz deserve to express their political beliefs independently.

Winfrey and Gayle King, a CBS journalist, continue to support various causes and socialize with figures like the Obamas. Houck highlighted, “While I’m sure they’re incredibly grateful to her, Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz should be allowed to have their own opinions and not be framed as the exclusive partisans.”