No, Oprah Winfrey Was Not Arrested for Sex Trafficking

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Oprah's 2020 Vision: Your Life In Focus Tour Opening Remarks - Denver, CO

Oprah Winfrey has responded to false rumors that circulated online on Tuesday accusing her of sex trafficking and alleging that her Florida home had been raided by police.

A number of tweets made false claims, thought to have similar origins to the rightwing conspiracy QAnon. Many made reference to Winfreyโ€™s friendship with the disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein, recently sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape.

Oprah's 2020 Vision: Your Life In Focus Tour Opening Remarks - Denver, CO
Oprah Winfrey speaks during Oprahโ€™s 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus Tour presented by WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined) at Pepsi Center on March 07, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tom Cooper/Getty Images)

Others tied the alleged reports of an arrest to the spread of coronavirus, claiming that the global pandemic is in some way a cover for the arrest of celebrities involved in a sex-crime ring.

In a tweet, Winfrey said: โ€œJust got a phone call that my name is trending. And being trolled for some awful FAKE thing. Itโ€™s NOT TRUE. Havenโ€™t been raided, or arrested. Just sanitizing and self-distancing with the rest of the world. Stay safe everybody.โ€

Selma director Ava DuVernay also defended Winfrey, posting: โ€œTrolls + bots began this disgusting rumor. Mean-spirited minds kept it going. Oprah has worked for decades on behalf of others. Given hundreds of millions to individuals + causes in need. Shared her own abuse as a child to help folks heal. Shame on all who participated in this.โ€

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