There is no denying that Oprah Winfrey is one of the most popular not only in America, but also around the world. Over the years, she hosted many stars on her talk show who trusted her by talking about their painful experiences. However, before she found herself sewing, she had to go through real hell herself. Today, she boldly talks about what she experienced as a child.
Grandma beat her for every little offense. She was later raped multiple times
Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954, when her mother was 18 and her father 20. That is why she immediately came under the care of her grandmother, who raised her granddaughter with a firm hand. It was poor at home, so she often used potato sacks as clothes, and dried corn cobs as her toys. As a 5-year-old, Oprah helped on the farm, brought water from the well, fed the animals, and was punished corporally for every disobedience.
Grandma made me braid two or three twigs together to make the rod stronger. Sometimes she waited to spank until Sunday night when I was naked and freshly showered. Later, as soon as I was able to get up, she told me to lighten up
— in the book “What happened to you?”, adding that although she got her first spanking when she was only 3 years old, she knew that violence was not a solution. Later, Oprah lived with her father and his partner for a while, and then went into the care of her mother, whom she helped care for her half-siblings. It was then that she was raped for the first time. She was only 9 years old, and her tormentor was her cousin, who took her out for ice cream as a “reward” for her silence. “I didn’t know what rape was, I wasn’t aware. (…) I had no idea where children come from. I didn’t even know what was happening to me – on my show. The situation repeated itself many times after that. She also suffered the same harm from her uncle, with whom she became pregnant at the age of 14. She admitted to her condition only when she was 7 months old. Two weeks after giving birth, her son died.
The death of the child was a blow to her. She sought solace in alcohol and drugs
After the death of her child, Oprah felt completely lost. She was unable to deal with the pain, she also did not have proper support from her relatives. Stimulants turned out to be an escape from the problems. — I was a zero and I felt that way, I drowned out the pain with drugs and alcohol. I don’t know what would have happened to me if my father hadn’t taken me in many years later. Her father, although strict, took care of her, providing support from specialists. In this way, she overcame addiction and focused on education. Oprah began her studies at Tennessee State University, winning scholarships and top scores. While still in education, she landed her first job on television. Initially, she appeared on the air of a local breakfast, later she received her first format “People Are Talking”, but it was her own talk show “The Oprah Winfrey Show” that made her a television icon.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
