Oprah Winfrey Reflects on Giving Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz Their Big Breaks

Oprah Winfrey is reflecting on her decision to give Dr. Phil McGraw and Dr. Mehmet Oz major platforms on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

In an interview with Emmy Magazine, Winfrey said she introduced both men to her audience because she believed they had useful information to share. She said she did not expect to later be criticized for their political views.

McGraw first appeared on her show in 1998, while Winfrey was facing a defamation lawsuit from the beef industry. She said he supported her during that difficult period and helped her prepare for court. She believed he could help other people as well.

Oz was introduced to Winfrey by her friend Gayle King and first appeared on the show in 2004. Winfrey said she valued his ability to explain medical topics in simple terms.

Both men later became television personalities in their own right and have supported President Donald Trump. Oz now leads the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, while McGraw serves on Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission.

Winfrey, 72, recently marked the 40th anniversary of her talk show, which ran nationally from 1986 to 2011.