Elon Musk’s recent revelation of an old video featuring Oprah Winfrey has sent ripples through the entertainment industry, drawing mixed reactions and reigniting debates on celebrity influence and political consistency.

The footage, shared on Musk’s social media account with the caption “It’s over for her,” captured an unexpected moment from decades ago when Oprah spoke positively about Donald Trump on her show. This release comes at a time when Oprah has emerged as a prominent critic of Trump, especially as she publicly supports Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential race.

In the vintage video, Oprah engages Trump with curiosity and admiration, highlighting a stark contrast to her current rhetoric. In the clip, she asked, “You’ve achieved so much, Donald, could you ever see yourself running for president?”—an exchange that took on an almost lighthearted, respectful tone. This portrayal is vastly different from her recent speeches, where she described Trump as a danger to American democracy and a figure of chaos.

Musk’s strategic release of the footage seemed designed to challenge Oprah’s credibility and fuel the discourse about perceived shifts in celebrity stances. Supporters of Musk see the video as proof of what they believe is the hypocrisy in Hollywood, where powerful figures change their allegiances to suit public sentiment and maintain influence. This camp argues that Oprah’s cordial interactions with Trump, followed by her more recent denunciations, suggest opportunism rather than genuine conviction.

Conversely, Oprah’s supporters argue that changing political views are a natural part of personal and public evolution. They point out that the footage was from an era long before Trump’s controversial presidency and that it is fair for Oprah, like many, to reassess her opinions based on new information and experiences. They emphasize her long-standing dedication to social justice, equality, and women’s rights as evidence of her genuine advocacy and evolving political consciousness.

The release has sparked a larger conversation about the nature of political transformations and the scrutiny public figures face. While Musk’s act was viewed by some as another provocative move in his ongoing criticism of Hollywood and its perceived duplicity, others see it as a reflection of the complex realities of political alignment and personal growth.

Whether Oprah will address this controversy remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the footage has added a new layer to the discourse around her legacy and the authenticity of public figures in the political arena. As both critics and defenders continue to weigh in, the debate underscores the challenges and expectations placed on influential individuals to remain steadfast—or be transparent—about their beliefs amidst changing times.