Oprah Winfrey Reacts to Gayle King and Blue Origin’s All-Female Space Shuttle: “They Thought It Was an Inspirational Message, But It Was Just Garbage Packaged in a Flash!”
Just 30 minutes ago, the online community was in an uproar when Oprah Winfrey – one of America’s leading inspirational icons – suddenly posted a powerful and indignant article, aimed at her longtime friend Gayle King and the all-female astronaut team on Blue Origin’s latest space shuttle flight.
In the post, Oprah did not hold back her emotions when she wrote:
“They thought this was an inspirational message for women? It was just garbage packaged in a flash. I don’t see courage here. I see a carefully choreographed performance, polishing the image without touching the substance.”
Who is the target of the attack?
What shocked the public was that Oprah directly mentioned Gayle King, her close friend for decades. Gayle is a CBS anchor who has been heavily involved in the coverage and promotion of Blue Origin’s first all-female spaceflight, which has been hailed as a “historic step” for women in space.
The flight included six women from a range of backgrounds: science, media, business and education. In pre-flight interviews, the crew spoke of their “inspirational mission” and “breaking gender barriers” in space.
What Oprah saw behind the event?
However, Oprah’s emotional post suggests that she believes the event was not as real as the media is making it out to be.
“I didn’t see innovation. I saw a multi-million dollar PR campaign with familiar faces, chosen for their image, not for their ability or real commitment to women around the world.”
She went on to criticize the inclusion of celebrities or influencers in scientific events, instead of giving opportunities to real female scientists who have been working quietly for decades.
“There are thousands of women of color, indigenous women, immigrant women – who are researching, inventing, teaching day and night. But they are not included in this space show. Why is that?”
What will happen to the relationship with Gayle King?
Oprah’s public criticism of Gayle is causing many to worry that the close relationship between the two will be broken. Although Oprah did not mention their friendship in the article, calling her by name and implying that Gayle “is also part of the performance” has made many people feel surprised and disappointed.
Comments on social media quickly exploded. Some people supported Oprah, saying that she “dared to tell the truth”, exposing a media campaign that was a formality. Others have defended Gayle King and the female astronauts, saying Oprah is being too harsh and letting her emotions get the best of her.
Conclusion
Gayle King has yet to respond to Oprah’s controversial post. Blue Origin has also remained silent. However, it is clear that this post will continue to cause a stir in the media and feminist community. The question is: Has Oprah gone too far? Or is she simply saying something that many people are avoiding?