Jon Voight Sparks Controversy After Calling Oprah Winfrey “Not Qualified” as Role Model

In a fiery exchange that has taken over social media, Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight is under fire after making a bold claim that media mogul Oprah Winfrey is “not qualified” to be a role model for women. The statement has triggered widespread outrage, an immediate response from Oprah herself, and a fierce public debate about influence, credibility, and personal legacy.

The Controversial Statement

During a recent interview on a conservative talk show, Jon Voight criticized what he sees as “media-manufactured idols,” naming Oprah Winfrey directly.

“She’s not qualified to be a role model for women,” Voight said. “She may be wealthy and powerful, but that doesn’t make her virtuous. People need to stop confusing celebrity with wisdom.”

The comment instantly drew backlash online, with hashtags like #IStandWithOprah and #JonVoightCancelled trending on X (formerly Twitter).

Oprah Winfrey Responds Swiftly

Oprah Winfrey did not stay silent. Within hours, she addressed the controversy via a statement on Instagram:

“No person gets to define your worth or disqualify your influence. I’ve spent my life lifting others up—especially women—because I know how much that matters.”

Her post has garnered over 3.5 million likes and thousands of comments from supporters, celebrities, and public figures praising her strength and dismissing Voight’s remarks as “misguided” and “out of touch.”

Social Media Divided

While many have defended Oprah, citing her long career in philanthropy, media, education, and empowerment, others have joined Voight in questioning the criteria for modern role models.

Supporters of Voight argue that celebrity status shouldn’t automatically confer moral authority.

Oprah’s fans point to her decades-long impact, including the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls and her groundbreaking work in mental health advocacy.

Public Figures Weigh In

A wave of public figures have taken sides:

Ava DuVernay tweeted: “Oprah has done more for women than Jon Voight could ever imagine. Sit down.”

Ben Shapiro defended Voight, saying, “Criticizing a public figure doesn’t equal hate. There’s room for disagreement.”

The conversation has highlighted a growing divide in American culture over what constitutes meaningful leadership—and who gets to define it.

The Bigger Picture: Influence in the Age of Celebrity

This controversy opens up a broader discussion: Who qualifies as a role model in 2025? In an era where influencers, activists, and celebrities overlap, the line between fame and moral authority continues to blur.

Whether you agree with Voight or side with Oprah, one thing is clear: this moment has sparked a national debate on values, voice, and visibility in the public eye.