Oprah Winfrey in her Golden Globes speech on Sunday delivered an impassioned message to young women, telling them that "a new day is on the horizon" as the issue of sexual harassment dominated the night.
"I'm especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories," the OWN founder and former talk show host said as she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 75th annual awards show in Los Angeles.
"This year, we became the story," Winfrey, 63, said, referring to the flood of accusations from women against prominent Hollywood figures, unleashed after a New York Times exposé last year about film producer Harvey Weinstein. "But it's not just a story affecting the entertainment industry — it's one that transcends any culture, geography, race, religion, politics, or workplace."
So I want tonight to express gratitude to all the women who have endured years of abuse and assault because they, like my mother, had children to feed, and bills to pay, and dreams to pursue," Winfrey continued, her voice wavering at times. "They're the women whose names we'll never know."
"For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak their truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up!" Winfrey declared, as the audience rose to their feet in applause.
"Time's Up" is the name of an initiative announced last week by a group of female Hollywood performers, writers, producers and execs, aimed at combating systemic sexual harassment.
"I want all the girls watching here and now to know that a new day is on the horizon!" Winfrey told the crowd. "And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women — many of whom are right here in this room tonight — and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say 'me too' again."
Without naming President Trump, Winfrey also defended one of his favorite targets: the press. Trump has called the "fake news media" the "enemy of the people."
"We all know that the press is under siege these days," Winfrey said, "but we also know that it is the insatiable dedication to uncovering the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye to corruption and to injustice, to tyrants, and victims, and secrets, and lies."
"I want to say that I value the press more than ever before," she said.
"As we try to navigate these complicated times," Winfrey added, "what I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have."
The Hill, January 7, 2018
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January 8, 2018
Post Script. Watch Oprah at the Golden Globes. It will lift you
