People News

Oprah Winfrey paid for dad's divorce

Nov 12, 2012, 7:01 GMT

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey paid for her father's divorce.

Vernon Winfrey, 79, decided to break up with Barbara, his wife of 12 years, after becoming sick of her spendthrift ways, which he says almost cost him his barbershop business, and after confiding his fears to his daughter's long-term partner Stedman Graham, Oprah stepped in to help.

Vernon said: 'One day when Stedman was in town for a speaking engagement, I told him over dinner what was going on and that I didn't know how I was going to handle it but I wanted out of my marriage.

'He asked if I needed help and I said 'Yes I believe so'. He immediately told Oprah and she told me to hire attorneys and she would take care of it.'

Vernon filed for divorce in June and claims his wife spent most of his money and is refusing to leave the $1.6 million Nashville home Oprah bought for him.

He told National Enquirer magazine: 'I've filed for divorce and moved out of the beautiful home Oprah bought me to live in but I don't own it.

'Barbara was spending money as if I were Oprah.'