Oprah Winfrey is attempting to distance herself from a 2021 interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that critics have labeled a disaster.

The move follows ongoing backlash from royal supporters and media commentators who argue the interview lacked journalistic rigor. Because the broadcast touched on sensitive allegations regarding the British monarchy, the perceived lack of scrutiny has left a lasting impact on Winfrey's professional reputation.

The interview, conducted for Vanity Fair's Scene Selection programme, took place in 2021 [1]. While some outlets described the event as a bombshell, others have characterized it as an infamous disaster.

Critics argue that Winfrey failed to properly probe the claims made by the couple. Kevin O’Sullivan of Sky News Australia said the segment was not good journalism. He said that Winfrey did not push back or further inquire when Meghan alluded to the Royal Family being racist.

In response to these criticisms, Winfrey has pointed to specific questions she did pose during the session. Winfrey said she asked Meghan whether she had been "silenced" by the Royal Family.

Despite this, the discourse surrounding the interview remains polarized. Some viewers believe Winfrey provided a necessary platform for the couple to share their experiences, while others maintain that the interview served as a promotional piece rather than a critical journalistic inquiry. The lack of a direct challenge to the couple's claims, particularly regarding institutional racism, continues to be the primary point of contention for those criticizing the broadcast.

“It wasn’t very good journalism, that’s for damn sure.”

This shift in narrative suggests a strategic attempt by Winfrey to pivot away from a project that has become a lightning rod for criticism. By highlighting her specific questions, she is attempting to reframe the interview as a journalistic effort rather than a passive conversation, reflecting the long-term volatility of the relationship between the British monarchy and the American media landscape.