Oprah Winfrey has once again found herself at the center of controversy, this time over comments made during her *Oprah’s Book Club* podcast. While interviewing longtime friend Tina Knowles, Winfrey’s mention of Tina’s two ex-husbands, Mathew Knowles and Richard Lawson, sparked backlash from fans online.
The discussion was centered around Tina’s newly released memoir, *Matriarch*, where she bravely recounts the highs and lows of her life, including her two marriages. While Oprah praised Tina’s honesty in sharing her journey, her remark about the former husbands rubbed many fans the wrong way.
2. Fans Slam Oprah for ‘Unnecessary’ Comments About Tina Knowles’ Ex-Husbands
During the interview, Oprah said, “We are fully engaged in your story and all the people that are in your life — obviously, your ex-husband,” before adding emphasis on the plural, saying “ex-husbands.” This remark seemed to some viewers like an unnecessary dig at Tina’s past relationships, which led to a flurry of negative reactions on social media.
One Twitter user summed up the sentiment: “Oprah’s shady ass,” reflecting the anger many fans felt about what they perceived as an uncalled-for comment. Another user called it “so unnecessary,” adding, “She better keep it cute like we don’t play about Mama Tina.” For these fans, the remark felt more like a jab than a genuine attempt to explore Tina’s story.
3. Tina Knowles’ Personal Journey in *Matriarch* and Oprah’s Friendship with Her
The controversy unfolded during a highly anticipated conversation where Tina shared the intimate details of her memoir. She revealed personal stories about her marriages, including her 31-year marriage to Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé and Solange’s father, and her more recent marriage to actor Richard Lawson. Tina’s willingness to open up about these aspects of her life was praised by Oprah, who referred to it as “admirable.”
However, the focus on Tina’s ex-husbands struck a chord with fans, who felt that the mention was unnecessary, especially considering Tina’s resilience in discussing more significant personal battles. After all, Tina had just revealed that she secretly fought stage 1 breast cancer last year, a diagnosis she received after missing a routine mammogram appointment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her health journey adds an important layer to her memoir, which fans felt deserved more attention than her past marriages.
4. The Divorce Story: Tina Knowles’ Relationships and the Impact of Her Memoir
Tina Knowles’ marriages have been widely publicized, especially her split from Mathew Knowles in 2011, which was marred by infidelity. Despite the heartache, Tina managed to find love again, marrying Richard Lawson in 2015. Yet, this relationship also came to an end in 2023, when Tina filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
Fans noted that discussing her ex-husbands in such a flippant manner by Oprah was not only unnecessary but potentially disrespectful. Some pointed out that Oprah and Tina share a long-standing friendship, which made the comment all the more surprising and hurtful for some fans who expected more sensitivity.
5. Defenders of Oprah’s Remarks Highlight the Pair’s Close Bond
Not all fans agreed with the backlash. Some defended Oprah’s mention of Tina’s exes, citing their deep, decades-long friendship as a context for the remark. “Lol Oprah and them are friends, so chill, guys. It’s funny,” wrote one user, suggesting that the two were simply having a candid conversation.
Others pointed to another part of the interview in which Oprah clarified that Tina had been fair to Mathew in her book. This remark seemed to help smooth over some of the tension, with another fan commenting, “She kinda made up for it.”
Despite the criticism, Tina’s memoir *Matriarch* has been well-received for its candidness, and Oprah’s podcast continues to attract listeners. However, this incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance public figures must maintain when discussing each other’s personal lives.
6. Tina Knowles’ Health Battle: A Heartfelt Moment Amid the Drama
In a moving moment during the promotion of her memoir, Tina revealed that she had battled stage 1 breast cancer in secret. She shared how her diagnosis came as a shock after missing a routine mammogram during the pandemic, an omission that many can relate to in the era of COVID-19.
“I’ve always tried to take care of myself. I just… was in disbelief,” Tina told Gayle King on *CBS Mornings*, recounting the emotional toll of the experience. Thankfully, Tina underwent a lumpectomy last August and is now cancer-free, a hopeful conclusion to a tough chapter in her life.
While Oprah’s comment may have caused a stir, it’s clear that Tina’s story goes far beyond her relationships. Her courage in facing breast cancer, as well as the revelations in her memoir, highlight the resilience that defines her journey.
7. Final Thoughts: Oprah’s Friendship with Tina Knowles Under Scrutiny
As the dust settles from the backlash, it remains to be seen whether Oprah will address the controversy directly. Fans continue to debate whether the comment was a harmless slip of the tongue or a misstep that should have been avoided. One thing is certain—this incident has sparked conversations about the boundaries of friendship, public interviews, and how personal histories are shared in the public eye.
For now, Tina Knowles continues to be an inspirational figure, navigating her personal and professional life with grace. As for Oprah, her friendship with Tina remains strong, but this interview may be one that both women look back on with mixed feelings.