Cindy Crawford Reflects on Uncomfortable Experience with Oprah Winfrey
While Oprah Winfrey is often celebrated as the “queen of all media,” some individuals have less than favorable memories of their encounters with her. Cindy Crawford, the iconic supermodel, shared her perspective on her initial encounter with Winfrey during an episode of the Apple TV+ docuseries “The Supermodels.” This reflection brought to light Crawford’s feelings of discomfort and judgment during her early career.
Crawford first appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1986 at just 20 years old, accompanied by her manager, John Casablancas. Winfrey’s show had just been syndicated in September of that year, and the interview took place during the early days of Winfrey’s burgeoning media empire. During the interview, Winfrey directed many questions to Casablancas, asking about Crawford’s grooming and body, before requesting Crawford to stand up and show her body to the audience. Reflecting on this moment, Crawford described feeling like a child who should be seen and not heard, a sentiment she revisited in “The Supermodels.”
“I was like the chatt or a child, like be seen and not heard,” Crawford said. “When you look at it through today’s eyes, when Oprah’s like, ‘Stand up and show me your body, show us why you’re worthy of being here,’ the former supermodel found the interview distressing. She expressed, ‘I was so traumatized. I really felt I was not seen as a person who had a voice in her own destiny.'”
Crawford’s comments resonate deeply, especially in the context of today’s more culturally sensitive environment. The incident has sparked discussions about how societal norms and media practices have evolved over the years. Although Crawford made numerous appearances on Oprah’s show afterward, her recollection of their first encounter remained a point of discomfort. It wasn’t until years later that Crawford fully grasped the extent of the inappropriateness of the situation, acknowledging that age and experience had given her a clearer perspective.
Following Crawford’s public comments, Oprah Winfrey appeared to respond by taking down the 1986 interview from YouTube. This move suggests an acknowledgment of the interview’s potentially problematic nature when viewed through a modern lens. Social media reactions to Crawford’s revelations were varied. Some users dismissed her concerns, viewing the situation as an overreach for victimhood. Others expressed disappointment, noting the positive interactions Crawford had experienced in subsequent interviews with Winfrey.
Winfrey’s close friend, Gayle King, also weighed in on the matter. Although King had not seen the interview in question, she expressed surprise and slight disappointment. “I’m surprised and a little disappointed because I know Cindy’s been on her show many, many, many times, and it has always been a pleasant experience,” King said. “I would hate to think that something that happened years ago could have bothered her. It’s not Oprah’s thing to humiliate or make anybody feel badly.”
Winfrey herself has long emphasized vulnerability and honesty in her interviewing approach, as she shared in a 1986 interview with the New York Times. “Vulnerability is the key. People appreciate when you can be honest. It lets them feel more comfortable about being themselves,” she stated. This philosophy, however, seemed to clash with Crawford’s experience during that particular interview, leading to a significant reevaluation by Crawford years later.
Crawford’s reflection is not an isolated incident. Other celebrities have also shared stories of uncomfortable experiences with Winfrey. Tony Braxton, for instance, recounted a tough interview with Winfrey on VH1’s “Behind the Music,” where she felt criticized for her financial struggles. “She was so freaking mean to me,” Braxton said, expressing disbelief and disappointment given her admiration for Winfrey prior to the interview.
Similarly, actress Mo’Nique has been vocal about her strained relationship with Winfrey. Mo’Nique revealed that she felt blackballed in Hollywood after refusing to meet unreasonable demands during the promotional campaign for the film “Precious,” produced by Winfrey and Tyler Perry. The absence of a public apology from Winfrey for the perceived harm inflicted upon Mo’Nique has only heightened suspicions about Winfrey’s role in Mo’Nique’s career challenges.
These incidents underscore a broader discussion about the power dynamics in the entertainment industry and the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity. While Winfrey’s contributions to media and philanthropy are undeniably significant, these personal accounts reveal that even highly influential figures are not immune to criticism and scrutiny.
As for Crawford, her reflections on her experience with Winfrey have opened up a conversation about the pressures and judgments faced by women, particularly in the media. It serves as a reminder that every individual deserves to be seen and heard, not just for their appearance but for their voice and contributions.
In conclusion, Cindy Crawford’s candid recounting of her early experience with Oprah Winfrey highlights the evolving nature of societal norms and the ongoing need for sensitivity and respect in media interactions. It prompts a reevaluation of past practices and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing any discomfort or harm caused, regardless of the passage of time.
