Expert: Oprah Fueled Family Cutoff Culture She Now Decries

A family and relationship coach has accused Oprah Winfrey of contributing to the very "culture of estrangement" she is now discussing on her platform. Tania Khazaal argues that Winfrey's decades of messaging, particularly since the 1990s, may have normalized cutting ties with family members, making it a first resort rather than a last one.

This criticism follows Winfrey's recent discussion on her podcast about family estrangement, which she described as a "silent epidemic." A Cornell University study indicates that nearly one-third of Americans are estranged from family. Khazaal believes that millennials, who grew up with Winfrey's shows, are a primary demographic engaging in this trend, with harmful effects.

While experts acknowledge that public figures like Winfrey help destigmatize conversations about estrangement, they also emphasize the issue's complexity. Broader cultural shifts prioritizing personal happiness and identity over traditional family structures are seen as key factors. Therapists may also inadvertently facilitate estrangement by acting as "detachment brokers."