Campaign finance records show Harris paid $1 million to Oprah’s production company
WASHINGTON — As Democrats marvel at how Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign spent more than $1 billion, a new campaign finance report confirms that the Democratic presidential nominee’s campaign tipped the O.G. Prairie Winfrey’s production company paid $1 million.
The records end a months-long dispute over whether Winfrey was paid to support the former Democratic presidential candidate.
In November, the Harris campaign paid the former talk show host to support Winfrey after the Washington Times reported, citing Federal Election Commission financial records, that her company, Harpo Productions, received $1 million from Harris. Rumors about Fei spread.
In mid-November, when paparazzi asked her if she had been paid for endorsements, Winfrey denied all accusations that she had received money from the Harris campaign. “Not really. I don’t get paid anything, once,” she responded at the time.
But shortly after posting a video of the exchange on Instagram, Winfrey sought to clarify. Commenting on the video, she explained that her company, Harpo Productions, was paid to help produce Harris’ livestreamed “Unite for America” rally on September 19.
The event was co-hosted by the activist group Win with Black Women and included comedian Chris Rock and actors Ben Stiller and Julia Roberts. Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Bryan Cranston. It was designed to register voters to vote in swing states like Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan — elections Harris ultimately lost.
Winfrey said the company was asked to provide set design, lighting, cameras, microphones, crew and producers, among other items for the event. Winfrey added that she received no share of the money.
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“I received no personal fees,” Winfrey said in her comments. Yes. End of story.
Aides to the Harris campaign were quick to defend Winfrey. Adrienne Elrod, a senior adviser and senior spokesperson for the former Democratic candidate, told Deadline magazine that in addition to expenses related to travel or other “ancillary expenses,” the campaign has No fees have been paid to artists or performers at any event.
Companies like Harpo are not legally allowed to contribute to political campaigns, whether through cash donations or other expenses (such as those associated with hosting an event), and must be reimbursed or paid.
Campaign finance records released this week confirmed that Harpo Productions received two $500,000 payments from the Harris campaign for work on the September campaign. The payments are part of millions of dollars Harris is doling out to major production companies and advertising agencies in her bid to win the 2024 presidential bid.
