Oprah Winfrey reflects on Joan Rivers' body-shaming incident

In a recent interview, Oprah Winfrey opened up about a pivotal moment in her career when she was body-shamed by Joan Rivers on The Tonight Show in 1985. Rivers, known for her controversial remarks, asked Winfrey why she was "so fat," leading to a public shaming moment that Winfrey recalls as a turning point. Rivers went on to tell Winfrey that she needed to lose 15 pounds if she wanted to come back on the show, a demand that Winfrey agreed to but ultimately did not fulfill. Reflecting on the incident, Winfrey shared how she had previously auditioned for a role in 1985's The Color Purple but believed she was rejected due to her weight. This experience led her to participate in various weight-loss programs and makeovers, becoming a staple in her television career. Winfrey also discussed her struggles with weight loss drugs, revealing that they helped her stop obsessing over food after years of societal pressure and scrutiny regarding her weight. Despite the challenges she faced, Winfrey eventually landed the role of Sofia in Steven Spielberg's film, earning an Academy Award nomination. She credited the body-shaming episode with Rivers as a significant moment that propelled her career forward. Winfrey's candid revelations shed light on the impact of body image issues and societal expectations on individuals, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of criticism and judgment.