The new documentary Framed by Britney Spears, which shows how the media vilified the pop star, has opened up a bigger conversation about how the entertainment industry treats young talent. A portion of this calculation saw people dig up old interviews and examine them in a new light. David Letterman and Diane Sawyer both had a setback for TV moments that did not age well, and now another name has been added to the list: Oprah Winfrey. In a rediscovered interview in 2004, the host is seen asking Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen some very sensitive questions that, according to fans, cross a line. Keep reading to find out why this interview provoked outrage, and for more unfortunate interview moments, this repeated Jennifer Aniston interview terrified fans.
Like many hosts at the time, Oprah asked personal questions about the private life of the then 17-year-old twins, which touched on one particularly sensitive topic: a rumor that Mary-Kate had an eating disorder. ‘I know a new rumor [that’s] recently popped up, really upset you, right? “Oprah asked. The girls sat still and waited to see what Oprah was referring to.” You know, the one ear eats, “she explained.
“Yes, you know people are going to write what they are going to write. We try not to read the good or the bad because it just comes with the area,” Ashley replied. “Or you’re too fat, too skinny, and people are just going to write what they write.” This reaction did not deter Oprah, and she proceeded with a more pointed question. And for another awkward moment from the host’s past, Oprah says it was the worst guest she’s ever had.
Oprah interrupts Ashley as she responds to the initial question about the rumor about eating disorders. “What size are you by the way?” asked the host. Ashley’s eyes seemed to bulge on the question. She starts saying they are short, then Mary-Kate jumps in and explains that they have always been small, and both come in under 5’2 “.
“Oh, that’s so interesting,” Oprah replied. The audience bursts out laughing. “It’s so interesting that I’m obsessed with size, and you want ‘I really do not know’.” Mary-Kate added: ‘If we were obsessed with our size, I would not know, another story. Ashley then explained that their clothes often need to be adjusted due to their height and weight.
Best life asked a representative for Oprah for comment on the 2004 interview, but has not yet heard. And subscribe to our daily newsletter for more well-known content delivered directly to your inbox.
Only a few months after her interview with Oprah, Mary-Kate sought treatment for an eating disorder via CBS. The star signed up at a rehabilitation clinic shortly after her 18th birthday, on June 13, 2004. CNN reports that she was fired on July 26. After her release, Mary-Kate began preparing for her freshman year at New York University. And for another up-and-coming interview now viewed with a more critical lens, this Diane Sawyer interview with Britney Spears infuriated people.
When an interviewer of Elle asked Mary-Kate about her experience with an eating disorder, and the star stressed the importance of asking for help if you needed it. “I think the hardest point to get to is the point of asking for help or reaching out to other people and being honest with yourself,” she said, as put together by The Cut. “I do not want to go through my life with my eyes closed. And I do not want to go through it with a closed mind. I want to be aware of things. And I would rather know than not know.”
Mary-Kate also said that people’s life experiences are part of growing up. “Everyone’s going through hard times,” she continues. “It’s a part of life.” And for more news on the Olsen family, Elizabeth Olsen almost did it to remove her from her sisters.