In recent weeks, social media platforms have been awash with sensational claims that Oprah Winfrey fled the US following the leak of “damning” footage relating to embattled musician Sean “Diddy” Combs. However, the FBI has confirmed that there is no evidence to support these claims, dismissing them as completely unfounded and indicating the growing trend of disinformation on digital platforms.

The claims, which surfaced in mid-November, gained traction after a video titled “5 MINS AGO: FBI Reveals Oprah Has Flee Country After Diddy Footage Leaked” surfaced on YouTube channel Rap Heat. The video, which garnered over 1.4 million views, featured a story that suggested Winfrey’s involvement in a scandal linked to Combs’ legal troubles. The rapper has been under intense scrutiny after he was arrested on extortion and sex-trafficking charges earlier this year.

In the video, an unnamed narrator claimed: “The headlines say it all: Oprah Winfrey, once America’s beloved talk show Queen, is now a fugitive… The FBI thinks they have plenty of reason to snoop around and Oprah is abrupt. Vanishing plot makes everyone ask why.” Despite its popularity, the video offered no concrete evidence and relied on speculation to create its story.

Further fueling the rumors were posts on TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter), which together gained a lot of attention but lacked credible buy-in. There has been no official comment from Winfrey or her representatives regarding the claims, and no reputable media outlets have corroborated the story. A disclaimer buried in the YouTube channel’s description revealed, “The content on this channel is for entertainment purposes only… some topics may contain rumour, speculation or exaggeration.”

The conspiracy theory appears to have gained traction due to actual allegations against Combs. Earlier this year, a complaint by Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones implicated Combs in using hidden cameras at parties to record compromising images of guests. Although there is no public evidence linking Winfrey to such films, her past interactions with Combs in the entertainment industry provided fertile ground for speculation.

Social media and disinformation analysts noted that such content, which mixes elements of truth with unverified or exaggerated claims, often spreads quickly and stirs emotional reactions. Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, has warned of the dangers of misinformation, saying, “We’re seeing an increase in false narratives that undermine public trust.”

The rumors were compounded by unrelated claims about Winfrey’s political endorsements. Speculation arose regarding payments to her production company, Harpo Productions, during her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race. The Washington Examiner reported that Harpo Productions received two payments totaling $1 million from Harris’ campaign for event expenses, although Winfrey’s representatives have categorically denied any personal financial benefit.

Andrew Tate, a controversial social media personality, further fueled the speculation by suggesting in a live stream that Winfrey was among a list of celebrities allegedly preparing to leave the US after Donald Trump’s presidential victory. The alleged list, which also included figures such as Alec Baldwin, Whoopi Goldberg and Robert De Niro, has no basis in verified facts.

© 2024 Business Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.