This is the first time I have ever joined anything on the internet or felt the need to comment on any program until just now. This time I can't keep my mouth shut! Oprah, Oprah, Oprah! What were you thinking?? I am shocked that someone I have so much respect for would be so cold in her response to Daniel Day-Lewis' heartfelt sentiment about the death of Heath Ledger. I was embarrassed by you reaction or lack of. Where is you empathy?

I totally agree with you!!!!!! I could not watch her at all ! I thought, well maybe he refused to do her show and so this woman doesnt care, so I searched and sure enough he WAS on there.....so I dont know what her problem is/was. But it was totally disrespectful. Unless the others felt like they do not want anyone to take their golden moment---not even one of their own. But I am sure they have either taken these pills or know someone right now who is on them. That would explain Ms O today.

I, too, never take the time to ever come on these type of message boards, but felt compelled to find out what Oprah was thinking. I've been tying to justify her not mentioning anything about Heath's passing on her show, by checking her website to see if she mentions anything on it, and I haven't seen a thing. What gives? Is she mad about the fact that he most likely overdosed? Or is she mad that they were contemplating whether it was suicide? I remember when Heath and the rest of the Brokeback crew were on her show a few years ago, and she was sooooo in awe of Heath, his ex-girlfriend Michelle and Jake. I was so disgusted today when I watched her show, and seen Daniel Day-Lewis say a few words about Heath and was clearly upset, and she was very quick to change the subject. Whatever her opinions may be on the way he died, and whatever Heath chose to do behind closed doors, I still think that Oprah should have at least sent her thoughts and prayers out to Heath's daughter, his ex Michelle, and their families. I'm praying that once all of his toxicology tests come back, that he truly just had a bad combination of the anxiety and sleeping pills he was prescribed. Once they do find out the real reason, I hope that Oprah doesn't feel the need to send out her thoughts then. I've always looked up to Oprah, but today, I can't tell you how truly disappointed I really am in her.

we were posting at the same time. so dissapointed...

might Heath ruin the popcorn party?
Jan 24, 2008 With all of the "news" people capitalizing on the death of Heath Ledger, I was very sad to see thoughtful, compassionate Oprah miss not just the chance at a tasteful tribute but to ignore this loss completely.
It was like it would ruin the popcorn party.

His interview on her show when he was falling in love with M. Williams and particuarly his comment about how once he started kissing Jake it was "just kissing another human being" was such an example of his depth, compassion and brillance. Particualry on a day celebrating the Oscars, it seemed surprisingly insensitive not to mention the loss of a special guest of her show.

I too was shocked at her ability to completely ignore this enormous tragety! And then to have what was essentially a party for nominees (when the world had *just* lost a nominee) was so disrespectful and *tasteless* I am shocked and horrified. I understand if she wants to respect his friends and family by not grasping at straws the way the gossips are, but there is a difference between expressing regret/showing honor and trying to be an investigator. While the world mourns the loss of Heath Ledger she is having a celebration...shameful indeed!!!! Oprah, I expected more of you! God bless Daniel Day Lewis for saying what needed to be said and showing some honor in this heartbreaking time...Thank you!

This is my very first post on Oprah.com, I am generally a fan of Oprah's and enjoy watching her shows. In a world of chaos, I've always felt her philanthropic efforts, intellect, humor and class have always been leading examples for many to follow and aspire to. That said, her lack of compassion in even acknowledging Heath Ledger's untimely passing - for whatever the cause of death may or may not have been - really surprised and disappointed me. This was all particularly given the subsequent Oscar show topic and how he was a previous Oscar nominee and guest on her show. I'm not big into anything Oscar-related but have to admit I did tune in to that show to see what, if anything, she would have to say to the audience and viewers at home about it, I was in the every least hoping for a few seconds of kind words and sympathy at the start of her show for Heath's family and friends. Was I wrong. It's apparent that there has been a lot of backlash on this and that I am not the only one who feels she mishandled the situation. Needless to say, when the only emotion came from Daniel Day-Lewis, someone who claimed not even to have known him but simply respected as a fellow actor, Oprah's less than sympathetic reaction was a slap-in-the-face for anyone hoping she would have shown a little more compassion for the situation. The fact that she had a window of opportunity to respectfully acknowledge his passing and left it up to the chance that her guests might bring it up instead was clearly a faux pas on her part. Overall, the show to me was a little disturbing with her blatant display of disregard, and I just couldn't help but wonder what her other guests and studio audience members might have been thinking while sitting through her Oscar tribute that day. I know I'll still continue to watch Oprah, but going forward it will be with a slightly different perspective.

I also was utterly appalled at Oprah's stone-cold, vaguely insinuating reaction to Daniel Day-Lewis' expression of sadness and compassion about the heartbreaking and sudden loss of Heath Ledger.

What on earth has become of you, Oprah? There is a hard-hearted side of you that has shown itself more and more over the years, as you have become more wealthy and supposedly "powerful".


I am so disgusted I can barely speak.

I watched the show last night and I was totally appalled by Oprah's complete lack of emotion. It really bothered me, and I'm glad to see I'm not the only one. I really felt like she seemed irritated that the subject was brought up by Daniel Day-Lewis and she was trying to shrug it off and quickly change the subject, so as not to let it destroy her Oscar fun. I think there are a lot of people who are really upset and shocked and Oprah needed to show a lot more compassion and be a whole lot self-centered.

that should be "a whole lot LESS self-centered"

Oprah is not the same sweet, thoughtful, compassionate person she used to be. She has "gone Hollywood" All her shows are all superficial, materialistic and she always ends up fawning over celebrities....it is NONSENSE The last show that really meant anything was her show with Jenny McCarthy about autism. The rest of the time she has nonsense topics like"Jessica Seinfeld's Life-Changing Recipes" OH brother!!! The woman is accused of plagiarism and she hasn't even addressed the issue! Yeah, this is really deep stuff. I won't be watching anymore...it's all one big celebrity butt kiss session

My question is to all of you that commented on Oprah's behavior. Has she ever conveyed her sentiments regarding a actor or actress passing. I watch her show all the time. And I can remember a time, she conveyed her
sentiments regarding the passing of an actor or actress. If I'm wrong, please let me know. I feel it's been to much media coverage. Let him cross over in peace.
I

I agree. I have watched you for many a year with respect and admiration but for once I must chime in and say *"badly done Miss Winfrey".* I am sure you were embarrassed as hell after Daniel Day Lewis' heartfelt words about Heath. Your response was so cold sounding and it was almost like you were just sweeping it under a rug. Heath Ledger deserved more from you than that.

it is not "media coverage" to acknowledge and offer condolences..............and just because it has never been done before does not mean it can not start somewhere. it is called empathy.

Like most of you, I do not write on message boards and I respect Oprah. However, watching the Oscar show this week I was surprised, saddened, and shocked by Oprah's lack of emotion regarding Heath Ledger. I do not expect her to have a show dedicated to Heath Ledger but I do expect her to show some sort of emotion especially when talking to an actor (Daniel Day Lewis) who is obviously upset about the passing of Heath. Even if Oprah did not want to discuss Heath Ledger, just showing some empathy to her guest would have been nice She appeared cold and non feeling and that was really disappointing to watch.