Oprah Winfrey can kiss my...

[Ladyhawk]

I don't know why but this latest antic of hers really burns me.

Oprah snubbed by Hermes in France (http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sfl-klwnvetsc14jun24,1,7064410.story?coll=chi-entertainmentfront-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true)

Apparently, Oprah visited the store after it closed and was livid that they didn't drop what they were doing and let her in so that she could buy a gift for Tina Turner. The store explained that there was a PR event of some type going on at the time. Ok, this in itself is no big news, but...

Now the "Big O" (who earns 225 million a year) has called the president of Hermes to complain to him, cancelled an order for a $7000 purse AND, if that isn't bad enough, has claimed that she will do a one hour presentation on her show addressing "racial intolercance". If there's so much racial intolerance, how did SHE become such a big hit?

Is she kidding???!!!:bs:

Did it ever occur to the divine Ms. Winfrey that maybe, just maybe, the store was conducting business on its own and not waiting for her and her entourage to show up and make their income statement for the month??? Better yet, maybe Hermes problem with her wasn't her skin color. Maybe it was the fact that she's an American (they've no great love for us, after all). Or maybe they just don't like self absorbed, prima donna divas like Oprah! Or better still, maybe they haven't done anything wrong and certainly not worth this kind of lethal attention from Queen Oprah.

I'm sick and tired of the race card being played so much lately, especially by the likes of O.J. Simpson, Wacko Jacko (who passes more for white than black) and now Oprah. There are far too many African Americans facing real issues with prejudice and racism; like being denied good paying jobs, or a home in a nice neighborhood simply because of their skin color. Winfrey's recent spoiled brat tirade diminishes the real obstacles faced by many African Americans. And I doubt that any one of those obstacles comes even close to a $7000 purse. Jebus Cripes!

So, now she'll do a show rallying Americans to boycott Hermes or something to that effect. Mind you, I don't give a rat's *ss about Hermes. But, I do care when businesses are attacked for something as not-even-slightly-noteworthy as what happened to Winfrey.

Grrrrrrr......:mad:

[LostAngeles]

I thought they issued an immediate apology? And that the surveillance tapes back them up on saying they had explained the situation to her?

The hell?

[Ladyhawk]

Yes, Hermes did offer a very immediate apology and fell all over themselves stating that it was just a 'misunderstanding'. (They lost any respect I might have had for them at that moment)

Nonetheless, seems Ms. O isn't so easily placated. She cancelled the order on her purse and has told Hermes she will never purchase from them again. She also seems to think that she was refused at the door because she was black and that it had nothing to do with the fact that they had another event in progress. She arrived at Hermes at 6:45pm. They close at 6:30pm. But, I guess that's beside the point...

[TragicMonkey]

Perhaps it was just shock that somebody didn't recognize her.

Too bad Oprah's entourage isn't more like Leonardo Dicaprio's. They would have smashed the windows and beat some people up, then puked drunkenly all over the shop.

Hint, hint, Oprah, if you want to get some footage that will really boost your ratings.

[Lisa Simpson]

Last year I saw part of an Oprah show--"Oprah goes to Costco"--that annoyed the hell out of me. She walked around all wide-eyed at the merchandise and exclaiming that she'd never been to Costco before. I think she's forgotten what it's like to not be rich.

[TragicMonkey]

Originally posted by Lisa Simpson
Last year I saw part of an Oprah show--"Oprah goes to Costco"--that annoyed the hell out of me. She walked around all wide-eyed at the merchandise and exclaiming that she'd never been to Costco before. I think she's forgotten what it's like to not be rich.

That and her "giveaway" of cars turned my mother implacably against her former idol. Oprah sat there and took the credit for her "generosity"....in letting the car manufacturers give their vehicles to people. Oprah didn't spend a dime, but she can use the ratings to finagle another pay raise.

I wonder if those guys with the squirting camera are available to interview Oprah? Maybe she needs to come down a peg or two.

[CapelDodger]

The animal that used to be impressed and fascinated by the big cheeses in the clearing has, by way of village, tribe, town, city, troubadour, printed media, radio, film and TV become the same animal i&f'd by global big cheeses. And the animal that got the megalomainiac buzz from being a big cheese in the clearing ... same thing. The next step is that trans-global media-star in Twelve Monkeys.

Of course, while the big cheeses are preening and throwing tantrums, and the lumpen are loving them for it, the entourage - the Alpha-Minus types - are keeping a low profile and taking the cream.

[TragicMonkey]

Originally posted by CapelDodger
The animal that used to be impressed and fascinated by the big cheeses in the clearing has, by way of village, tribe, town, city, troubadour, printed media, radio, film and TV become the same animal i&f'd by global big cheeses. And the animal that got the megalomainiac buzz from being a big cheese in the clearing ... same thing. The next step is that trans-global media-star in Twelve Monkeys.

Of course, while the big cheeses are preening and throwing tantrums, and the lumpen are loving them for it, the entourage - the Alpha-Minus types - are keeping a low profile and taking the cream.

I've read this five times and still can't figure out what it means. It's wicked cool, though, and seems to involve monkeys.

[LostAngeles]

Originally posted by TragicMonkey
That and her "giveaway" of cars turned my mother implacably against her former idol. Oprah sat there and took the credit for her "generosity"....in letting the car manufacturers give their vehicles to people. Oprah didn't spend a dime, but she can use the ratings to finagle another pay raise.

I wonder if those guys with the squirting camera are available to interview Oprah? Maybe she needs to come down a peg or two.

...And why I assumed that she, herself, had bought the cars is beyond me because I'm not surprised.

[Mycroft]

Originally posted by TragicMonkey
I've read this five times and still can't figure out what it means. It's wicked cool, though, and seems to involve monkeys. :dl:

I don't use the laughing dog very often, but that had tears running down my face I was laughing so hard. You nailed it right on the head!

[CapelDodger]

Originally posted by TragicMonkey
I've read this five times and still can't figure out what it means. It's wicked cool, though, and seems to involve monkeys. We are all monkeys.

Have you checked out the Great Pyramid? Puts Oprah and her entire entourage in the shade. And if not, she'll want to know the reason why. It gets wicked hot around there, stretch-camel or not.

[Tmy]

Its quite common for these stores to make special arrangements for their big clients. How often do stores close to the public so that big stars can shop bythemselves. Its kinda bad business to not placate your biggest customers. Sheeoot, if you got some sucker to spend $5,000 on a handbag, you best keep the doors open a little late.

[Ladyhawk]

Originally posted by Tmy
Its quite common for these stores to make special arrangements for their big clients. How often do stores close to the public so that big stars can shop bythemselves. Its kinda bad business to not placate your biggest customers. Sheeoot, if you got some sucker to spend $5,000 on a handbag, you best keep the doors open a little late.

You're right, but that still doesn't give a celebrity the right to publicly snub the store and then publicly accuse them of being racist. In fact, Oprah refusing to shop there anymore would have been more than payback enough...

[Ladyhawk]

Originally posted by LostAngeles
...And why I assumed that she, herself, had bought the cars is beyond me because I'm not surprised.

I'm ashamed to admit it, but you're not alone....:(

[Ladyhawk]

Originally posted by TragicMonkey
Perhaps it was just shock that somebody didn't recognize her.

Too bad Oprah's entourage isn't more like Leonardo Dicaprio's. They would have smashed the windows and beat some people up, then puked drunkenly all over the shop.

Hint, hint, Oprah, if you want to get some footage that will really boost your ratings.

:D

[Tmy]

Is it such a leap to think that a SUPER HIGH END store in PARIS just might have a racist attitude?? Isnt France kinda known for such things. Seems like every now and then we see anti semitism stories from the place.

[Lisa Simpson]

Originally posted by Tmy
Is it such a leap to think that a SUPER HIGH END store in PARIS just might have a racist attitude?? Isnt France kinda known for such things. Seems like every now and then we see anti semitism stories from the place.

The store was closed for a private event. The probably would have turned away Cameron Diaz, too.

[clarsct]

Who cares?

[KelvinG]

So, if the store closes at 6:30, and it was 6:45, are we to assume that if a white person showed up at the door he would be let in?

I don't know. I'm white, and I'm never let into stores after hours. And I'm not even scary looking. Is it reverse racism?

I'm sure Oprah was more annoyed that she was being treated like common folk. But, screaming racism is always more effective. I doubt she'd be getting much sympathy if she complained that the store treated her "just like everyone else."

[Drooper]

This story leaves me wondering about the unfortunate, poorly paid shop assistant/manager who turned her away.

I wonder if that person has found themselves without a job.

At the very least, Ms Winfrey has probably made life very uncomfortable for the person. Isn't it nice to meet a multi millionaire who is a real champion of the "little people" .

[CapelDodger]

Originally posted by TragicMonkey
I've read this five times and still can't figure out what it means. It's wicked cool, though, and seems to involve monkeys. That should have been The Fifth Element (Chris Tucker's character), not the monkey-flick. Whisky after wine ... I should employ somebody to remind me not to do that (at which point I could throw a phone at them, or perhaps a handful of faeces). :o

[zenith-nadir]

It only shows everyone Oprah is one character on camera....and a completely different character off camera.

Don't be fooled by these celebrities, they think they are royalty, smart and important. When in fact they are usually drop outs, dumb and spoiled brats. I should know, I've been in the industry for 15 years... ;)

[edited to add]

Originally posted by LostAngeles
...And why I assumed that she, herself, had bought the cars is beyond me because I'm not surprised. Oprah didn't spend a dime on those Pontiacs, Pontiac donated the cars and the people who got one had to pay $7,000 in taxes (http://money.cnn.com/2004/09/22/news/newsmakers/oprah_car_tax/?cnn=yes) to take one home.

[Kerberos]

Originally posted by KelvinG
So, if the store closes at 6:30, and it was 6:45, are we to assume that if a white person showed up at the door he would be let in?

I don't know. I'm white, and I'm never let into stores after hours. And I'm not even scary looking. Is it reverse racism?

I'm sure Oprah was more annoyed that she was being treated like common folk. But, screaming racism is always more effective. I doubt she'd be getting much sympathy if she complained that the store treated her "just like everyone else."
Well I was once let into a library ten minutes after it should have closed, as they were letting the last people out and were locking the door, ohh the joys of being white.

[a_unique_person]

Originally posted by TragicMonkey
I've read this five times and still can't figure out what it means. It's wicked cool, though, and seems to involve monkeys.

I read it once and I can only conclude that CD has had even more to drink than I have.

[Skeptic]

AND, if that isn't bad enough, has claimed that she will do a one hour presentation on her show addressing "racial intolercance".

She seems to be taking a page out of Jesse Jackson's shakedown tactics: "give me what I want or I'll call you racists."

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Originally posted by Ladyhawk
So, now she'll do a show rallying Americans to boycott Hermes or something to that effect.

I've been boycotting Hermes my entire life. Especially since I never heard of them.

[Cleon]

Originally posted by The Central Scrutinizer
I've been boycotting Hermes my entire life. Especially since I never heard of them.

If they're selling $7,000 purses, chances are pretty good that even if I had heard of them before this, I never would've shopped there to begin with. :D

[KelvinG]

Originally posted by The Central Scrutinizer
I've been boycotting Hermes my entire life. Especially since I never heard of them.

I've also been boycotting Hermes my whole life. Oh no, wait, I'm thinking of Herpes.

[billydkid]

It is inevitible that the rich and famous develop an exagerated sense of self worth and entitlement. And I would think that in the case of someone like Oprah who is disproportionately rich and famous that this inclination becomes even more pronounced. I can't imagine how you maintain a realistic sense of self when you are essentially worshipped by the common folk and virtually every person you encounter treats you with extreme deference.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Originally posted by billydkid
I can't imagine how you maintain a realistic sense of self when you are essentially worshipped by the common folk and virtually every person you encounter treats you with extreme deference.

Believe me, I struggle with it.

[KelvinG]

The Chicago Tribune article linked in the OP of this thread gives mininal details.
A CNN article about this story expands a bit more on the incident.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/22/oprah.apology/

The New York Post, in its Monday Page Six gossip column, reported she was turned away because the store had been "having a problem with North Africans lately."

In comments to CNN, an Hermes spokeswoman categorically denied that allegation.

"There was never any discussion of North Africans," she said. "The story is not true."

If she was in fact turned away because of the North Africans comment, then I can understand her being pissed.
If she was turned away solely because the store was already closed then she is just an arrogant, whining wanker.

But, it looks like it's a case of he said/she said.

[Drooper]

It seems beyond the credible to claim that they would turn away Oprah Winfrey because she is black.

Oprah's "spokewoman" claims that they new it was Oprah, so the racism claims is a little hard to swallow,

[renata]

According to a Washington Post article the security video supports the site of the store

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/23/AR2005062302086.html

A Hermes spokeswoman said Winfrey arrived about 6:45, accompanied by three other people. A clerk and security guard were at the door and there was no discussion of North Africans or anyone else, according to the store's security videotape, which the company inspected after the incident. The guard explained that the store was closed. The clerk offered up her business card with an invitation for Winfrey to return the next day. The store manager, preparing for that evening's event, was not at the door.

....


People have argued that no matter what was going on inside the store, no matter what time it was, Winfrey -- the billionaire with millions of devoted fans who ask "How high?" when she says "Jump" -- should have been allowed to shop. It certainly would have been beneficial for the Hermes bottom line. But after-hours shopping is a favor, a perk. Not a right. There's nothing wrong with a store saying not tonight, madame, as long as the reason doesn't have anything to do with skin color. It's okay to say no to a celebrity, even when her name is Oprah.

[Rob Lister]

Have the security guard and/or clerk and/or manager been fired yet?

They will be.

[TragicMonkey]

Originally posted by Rob Lister
Have the security guard and/or clerk and/or manager been fired yet?

They will be.

That sounds so sinister. It gave me a mental image of Oprah standing over the security guard's body and saying to another security guard "You will find the rebels, Admiral Piett."

[CapelDodger]

Originally posted by Rob Lister
Have the security guard and/or clerk and/or manager been fired yet?

They will be. Isn't this the socialist France with inflexible labour laws that make it almost impossible to fire anyone?

[Lisa Simpson]

Originally posted by TragicMonkey
That sounds so sinister. It gave me a mental image of Oprah standing over the security guard's body and saying to another security guard "You will find the rebels, Admiral Piett."

Hmmm...

http://img237.echo.cx/img237/6898/150x2234ky.jpg

[Mephisto]

Originally posted by TragicMonkey
That and her "giveaway" of cars turned my mother implacably against her former idol. Oprah sat there and took the credit for her "generosity"....in letting the car manufacturers give their vehicles to people. Oprah didn't spend a dime, but she can use the ratings to finagle another pay raise.

I agree about the car "giveaway." It ended up being a HUGE problem for most of the guests that got one as Oprah DID NOT pay tax, title and license for any of the vehicles and some guests couldn't afford the $7,000 price tag that came along with the "free" vehicle.

Certainly, the recepients of the vehicle could have sold the vehicle and paid the taxes, but that still puts a price tag (all the time and trouble) on the vehicle.

(edited to add)
"NBC5's Lisa Tutman said that the 276 audience members who received Pontiac G-Sixes on Winfrey's show will need to come up with thousands of dollars to cover taxes on their winnings."

http://www.nbc5.com/news/3750669/detail.html

[Flo]

Originally posted by Rob Lister
Have the security guard and/or clerk and/or manager been fired yet?

They will be.

No, they won't be. This is France, where unions would raise hell if someone was fired over some celebrity having a tantrum

Another point: nobody in France knows who Oprah is, except the 27 who had to wait for more than 7 hours in some US airport after the bars closed and had therefore to rely on leftover magazines :D

[a_unique_person]

Originally posted by Skeptic
AND, if that isn't bad enough, has claimed that she will do a one hour presentation on her show addressing "racial intolercance".

She seems to be taking a page out of Jesse Jackson's shakedown tactics: "give me what I want or I'll call you racists."

Must....resist....urge...to....type.....reply.....

[Kerberos]

Originally posted by a_unique_person
Must....resist....urge...to....type.....reply.....
Must....resist....urge...to....point.....out.....y ou.....did.....

[CFLarsen]

It's okay to say no to a celebrity, even when her name is Oprah.

This is a very interesting issue.

Should your celebrity status entitle you to get preferential treatment?

If so, where is the line drawn?

[LostAngeles]

Originally posted by Flo
No, they won't be. This is France, where unions would raise hell if someone was fired over some celebrity having a tantrum

Another point: nobody in France knows who Oprah is, except the 27 who had to wait for more than 7 hours in some US airport after the bars closed and had therefore to rely on leftover magazines :D

Even if it wasn't France, what, pray tell, did the employees in question do wrong? (I know what's coming. Consider this a rhetorical question.):)

[shecky]

Time for Tom Cruise to use his Scientology powers against his nemesis Oprah. (http://movies.collegehumor.com/media/movies/tom_cruise_kills_oprah.mov)

[LostAngeles]

Originally posted by shecky
Time for Tom Cruise to use his Scientology powers against his nemesis Oprah. (http://movies.collegehumor.com/media/movies/tom_cruise_kills_oprah.mov)

Oprah: "Yes, I'd like to come in and buy a watch for my BFF, Tina Turner."

Tom Cruise: "No. No, no, no, no, no!"

*zaps her*

Tom Cruise: "ULTIMATE POWER"

*Christian Bale ninjas in, pwnz Tom for that TomKat crap taking away from Batman*

[Drooper]

Originally posted by CFLarsen
This is a very interesting issue.

Should your celebrity status entitle you to get preferential treatment?

If so, where is the line drawn?

An even more interesting question is how to define a celebrity?

Where do you draw the line on that and who is the arbiter?