People News
Paris Hermès closes door to Oprah – Oprah closes the door on Hermès
By Cindy Locke Jun 22, 2005, 22:07 GMT
When Oprah Winfrey was in Paris last week, she stopped by the Hermès store to pick up a watch for Tina Turner, who she was having dinner with that evening.
She arrived at the store just after 6:30pm and was turned away by the sales clerk and then the store manager. She politely asked them if she could just dash in since she knew exactly what she wanted. There were still shoppers in the store at the time.
It was reported that Hermès staff turned Oprah away because they didn’t recognize her without her makeup and because they have been “having a problem with North Africans lately.” Oprah’s friends say the story is not true.
“They knew exactly who she was,” a friend told the New York Daily News. “They specifically said, 'We know who you are. If it had been Celine Dion or Britney Spears or Barbra Streisand, there is no way they would not be let in that store.”
Oprah is a long-standing customer of Hermès and recently ordered a dozen of the much wanted Birkin bags, which can cost $6,500 each.
After the incident in Paris, she canceled the order.
It’s also reported that she called Robert Chaves, president of Hermès America, to inform him she will no longer be shopping there. She may also share her story with her 22 million-plus viewers.
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It would have not been so much of a problem had she just been turned away due to the closure of the store, however they said they've been having problems with North Africans. They have shown themselves to be racist and therefore should be punished as a result. Oprah nearly destroyed the whole beef industry by making a small comment. Imagine what she could do when she's really upset!
This report says Oprah's friends denied the North African comment, so I am thinking they did not say that. Also, today, a story also says the store has denied that comment as well. I know most French hate and/or resent Americans, but surely they wouldn't be stupid enough to make a comment like that even if they are racist. How can anyone say if it had been a white star they would have let them in? Has this same situation happened in the past with a white star? If not, then it's really not fair to say what they would do in that situation.
The store was closed at 6:30 and Oprah arrived at 6:45. I think we need to start burning down Paris because Oprah couldn't buy more clothes. Everybody blames world hate of America on the right wing. The real shame here is how all this effort is placed on Oprahs lack of late night shopping.
I too was shocked when I couldn't go shopping at 8:45. The store closed at 8:30
I could see a black face in the store. They probably did it because I am white with red hair. People hate red heads all the time.
Oh, too bad Oprah. So you're a big star in the states, the French just don't care. Did you realize that most stores carry insurance that covers customers only during regular store hours? Knowing Oprah, she probably brought a huge entourage with her and who knows what they would want to look at or try on. While in Texas recently, she shopped at a Nieman Marcus store after closing hours. For the past couple of years or so, I get the distinct feeling that Oprah feels 'entitled' to doing whatever she wants whenever she wants. I'm sure canceling her $70,000 handbag order will not cause Hermes to go under. I say, 'Good for you, France!' There is a reason why we are called the 'Ugly Americans'.
Oprah you did the right thing by canceling your ordered because I would have done the same thing too and it’s their lost and who need Paris’s craps anyway. In French they don’t know how to treat their tourists properly they think insulting is cool hello its not. The same thing when we America go to their hotel they insult us and treat us like a piece of crap and I would be happy if Oprah brought this on the national TV for public attention.
Oprah Winfrey is a HUGE snob. It is ridiculous not to give the benefit of the doubt to Hermes in this situation. Not everything is about race. Sometimes, regardless of race, people just don't get their little way. The store was CLOSED and the French are aloof. They probably just didn't feel like doing Oprah's punk ass any favors that night. The staff are trying to get it together so they can go home. But other peoples lives are not what is important to Oprah...Impressing her friends with gifts from Hermes she bought after hours is what really matters. So sorry she didn't get the freakin red carpet treatment so she could buy in true Oprah opulence the latest fashion craze generated by Sex and the City.
I think Oprah should just BUY Hermes...like the Company. She definitely has the money.
This incident reminds me of the scene in Pretty woman..where Roberts is dished at an upmarket store cuz she's dressed like road trash.
Anyone who says that the store was simply following their rules obviously doesnt know what they talking about. Big stores like Hermes always make accomodations for celebs, etc...esp when it comes to instances like these. Im totally feeling awful for the store...they definitely going to suffer if Oprah does a show or even half a show about this incident. Too Bad for Hermes.
I will no longer buy from Hermes. Not only did they refuse her entry but they publicly apologized, making it apparent that they had something to apologize for.
No more shopping at Hermes, and I will pass the word around to all my friends in Beverly Hills that they should NEVER shop at Hermes again, ever.
I think it is great that many people are commenting that they will not buy from Hermes. These people are morons anyway. They let the press and media guide them throughout their lives. Trust me, the majority of Hermes profit does not come from inner city rappers, upper class wanabes, and the likes. Oprah is truly an ugly American. She is so appalled that she did not get the celebrity treatment. I would of been so happy if they told her that she can only come in through the back door. For me it has nothing to do with color. But more with the attitude. Oprah thinks her money has elevated her above all.
Their apology is such an excuse for an apology. Almost insulting.
Im thinking this is a mistake thats gonna hound them and reflect directly in their profits henceforth. Remember people, Oprah's close friends include Madonna, Jennifer anniston and the likes. Something like this is gonna snowball into a larger racial issue. My bet is that Hermes wont have a strong celebrity clientele anymore..........cuz hey.....they all friends of Oprah's.
I guess the only people snubbing oprah for 'being appalled at not getting celebrity treatment' are the ones that are extremely racists themselves.
Its high time the oh so civilized french (they are the ones who came up with the guillotine method of killing...sophisticated ha???) take a 'crash' course in manners.
I think the best part of this story is the comments from the hoi polloi. Rosie O'D is another of the, 'I'm a celeb, kiss my feet' types. Don't know or care what others do as long as it doesn't affect my paycheck. Fun to read about the rich and stupid though.
Just read the disclaimer thingy: Any racist, bigoted, homophobic or obscene comments will be removed.
Kinda takes all the fun out of the freedom of speech thing.
Yea Oprah.....just buy Hermes .........all of it.....Teach these mannerless pseudo Brahmins a lesson
I LOVE those Hermes bags. Just bought my wife the same one - only I got mine at WalMart for less than ten dollars. I'm sure those, as well as those offered by Hermes are made by the same exact sweat shop employee who makes pocket change each week for a salary. Grow up Oprah. Or better yet - just go away.
Oh poor, sweet Oprah. Just use this as one of your life lessons that you so love talking about on your show. You made your reputation (and fortune) on being 'just one of the guys' - well, guess what???? This is how an average person is treated. No, stores don't unlock their doors, after hours, for us......why should they for you?? Get down from your high horse, Oprah and smell the coffee.
I am sure americans are not the only people that go to this store. There are many wealthy people that do not live in the usa that will not really care what happened to an american star, maybe the queen of england or the princess of sweden will still go. I like americans, but come on just cause an american star gets denied going into the store does not mean that everyone will stop going.When a store says closed it does not mean closed come on in. I do not go to the gap 10 minutes after it shuts and get upset cause they turned me away.
I'm sure Hermes sales will go through the roof in France. Not everyone who thinks Oprah is acting inappropriately on this is an 'extreme racist'. Ignorant, generalized statements like that make the person SAYING them look like the racist. This is definitely not about skin color, it's about celebrities' egos and attitudes.
To the chic who says she's going to tell 'all her friends in Beverly Hills' not to shop there anymore.....whatever. You know that's an empty threat. You know you don't have friends there or probably anywhere for that matter. I'm sure Hermes will be shaking in their shoes if they read your comment.
As far as their apology goes, they shouldn't have had to make one. They did nothing wrong by not letting her in that store after hours, unannounced. Oprah should be the one apologizing for making such a big fuss over it. If she does talk negatively about them on her show, I hope they sue her for slander.
most expensive boutiques are only open by reservation. Visit Beverly Hills and most of the store fronts look closed, but there not.
Oprah owes Hermes an apology for her bad manners.
Reality slapped her in the face and i'm sure it hurt. Oprah realized that these people just used her but could care less about her. She went to spend money not receive and has promoted this product on her show. I feel Oprah had vested herself in being a good friend, especially since she doesn't own a vested intrest in the company.
What did Oprah have to gain, she has what she wants... She goes around finding artist to promote via her media venue and this is how they repay her.
If Oprah wanted to go after hours, why didn't she just call ahead and set up an appointment or at least have someone on her staff to do it?
I would love for Oprah to promote my trade/craft and make me rich... I wouldn't slam the door in her face but instead be real thankful... since she could help someone else, instead of myself.
Of course, my product isn't being promoted by Oprah but if it was and it cost nothing... wow!
Thinking of it gives me goose bumps.. A rich influentual person, taking me into there personal circles and helping me to pitch my product; a dream come true.
Now that i would be successful, rich and have a lucrative product; I hope that i wouldn't forget the Oprah's who helped me get there.
It's obvious by some of these post that some people here have absolutely no idea how 'high end' stores operate. We're not talking Wal-Mart or K-Mart here where if it's closed it's closed. We're talking about an entirely different world most here have no idea about and can't even envision (judging from some of the post). 'High end' stores are supposed to make special accomodations for the 'rich and famous'. Again remember we're not relating the average John Doe to Wal-Mart here so remove that image from you mind completely.
If, as the store suggested, they were closed and making preparations for a Public Relations Event, then what better Public Relations could anyone ask for than to have someone such as Ms Winfrey, who just made Number 1 on Forbes list of most Powerful Celeberties. To anyone who is remotely familiar with the business of Public Relations, this would be and absolute DREAM to have someone like this present!
The French just shot themselves in the 'arse' once again.
Let me tell you people something about retail. In many cases, especially in high end retail, sales associates receive commission for the sales that they make. I don't even work in high end retail, and these to ladies were in our store a half hour after the store closed because there was commission to be made. It's not unheard of for associates to let people in when there is money to be made. If I were working in Hermes and Oprah wanted a watch, she would have gotten that watch. Celebrities have stores shut down exclusively for them, and they are are oftentimes allowed to shop after hours. Maybe Oprah's claim that she was descriminated against isn't far-fetched.
Sorry to interrupt your conversations but I'd like to give you a French point of view.
First about the celebrity of Oprah. She's N°1 in Forbes and have millions TV spectators, blablabla. In France some people know her name but few know her face. In France she's nothing and I understand that she had been expelled from the store. There is not one French security guard who watches American TV and if he does he will more watch NBA finals than the Oprah's show. And when her friends say that if Céline Dion or Britney Spears had come nobody would have closed the door it absolutely true. Not because these stars are white but only because they are real stars in France and are seen on French TV.
Second about racism. I doubt that Hermes store in Paris refuse Americans, black people or North Africans when they come. They know that if these people come, it is to spend money. These kind of customers are always welcome, moreover if they want to let a large amount. Tourists from all over the world come and with all the skin colours are welcome in our country.
So this story is just a whim of a star.
Just a French point of view.
Ok folks, I believe that Oprah is an intelligent woman. I'm pretty sure she's had stores closed in her face at closing time. I truly don't believe that she's not unresonable or ignorant. Most of all I don't believe that she's arrogant to think that because she's a big star she should have more priviledges than anyone else. So give the woman some credit. What I do think is that those people are CYA!! period. However, the truth will be told in September....
Demanding that a store reopen after it closes just to dash in and buy a watch (yes it probably was a very expensive watch) is rude. I know that stars have special treatment so why not call ahead and let them know you are on your way. As for the possible racism I believe that Ms. Winfrey thinks her money must be greener than mine.
I think some of the comments in these threads are uncall for,
neither you nor I know exactly what happened. Oprah is a giver, she gives back to the people, no matter what skin color they have, to call her ugly was uncall for, what does her looks have to do with the price of tea in China. Don't hate on the stars, because if that was anyone of you, you'll want the same treatment. There's always 3 sides to a story, Oprahs, Hermes and the truth and somewhere someone (media) will blow it so out of proportion, so hold back on your disparaging comments and hear what Ms. Winfrey has to say! and if you can't ....get a freakin life, you losers!
Oh yeah, Blame it on the French!!
Why does Opra think everyone has to do things on her terms. I'm sure they wouldn't open for me, but of course I don't have her money.
I've lost all respect for her! I'm sure these people have family's to go home to. She's only thinking of herself, but what's new.
As an american living in France I have a theory on the issue. They didn't recognize her, Oprah does not air on French television.
People here are very peeky about their working hours. Once I went to the school library at 6:45pm, they close at 7:00pm got to the check out at 6:50pm surprise can check out because the computers are shut down before 7pm so they can leave at 7pm.
I believe it was not a racial issue, however they where probably rude, which is normal in Paris. In any case if they were rude, too bad and get over it...life sucks!
This is for all those who say the store was closed or 'get over it', when is the last time YOU spent $84,500 (U.S. Dollars) on those Hermes bags to give out as gifts. It was stated that while Oprah does not own one of these bags for herself, she has purchased 13 (13 x $6,500 = $84,500) of these bags and given them to friends as gifts. She had another on order, which she appropriately cancelled, following this incident. I can only imagine how much she would have spent on a watch for her friend Tina Turner (her reason for going to the store). That just was NOT good BUSINESS sense on Hermes part. (If they knew who she was, and still refused to let her in defies logic to me ). Come on people last year alone Oprah's income was 225 MILLION U.S. Dollars!!!!
I hate to burst your bubbles but French hate American period and they will never give us special treatment ever. If I was the manager in that store I will just shut the hell up and let her spend out her 225 million dollars in my store because she is very rich damn well its your lost French so long suckers. So long...............
Okay, let's discuss sales quotas, customer service, 'public relations'. This is a business and public relations nightmare. Powerful people, especially those who are well liked, have tremendous influence. Take the emotional stuff out and this was just bad business. Bottom line, make the money (Oprah's money) and avoid damaging public relations. PERIOD.
I like Oprah n all, but in France, you just ain't ALL THAT Girlfrient and it's as simple as that.
Ms. Winfrey obviously misunderstood which entrance to use.
Oprah I admire you for standing up for your rights and what you believe in. I stand up for my rights as well, and will voice what I believe in too. Oprah when you felt that horrible feeling of how you were treated the second it happened I don't blame you for not wanting to shop there either. The whole world needs an education on how humans should treat each other. Hate is a very powerful word, and it will destroy our entire universe because we let it continue everyday. Oprah you have done lots of good in this world, because you are a beautiful women inside and out. Don't let anyone tell ya different.
who knows what really happened...there's supposedly video of the incident wich shows Oprah being turned away cordially. It seems to be more of a case of a spoiled celebrity not getting their way (imagine!) for once. If the store was closed it was closed, it's obnoxious to presume workers should stay there to cater to someone sheerly because they're a celeb.
Good heavens. If it were anyone else there would be no problem whatsoever. Everyone who has posted ignorant 'I hate French, I am not buying Hermes anymore' comments has absolutely no idea as to what they are talking about.
Oprah arrived after the shop was called.
As previously stated, Oprah arrive after trading hours.
As previously stated, most shops are insured during trading hours.
As previously stated, the shop was setting up for an event.
As previously stated, no comments were made about race.
As previously stated
Her decision to cancel her order with the company is entirely up to her. She may re-order she may not. She may just be annoyed at not getting her own way as I am sure she usually does. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. She is a very wealthy woman and has worked very hard to get to where she is.
I think the point here is the shop was closed, she turned up late, expected preferential treatment as someone who has spent alot of money with the company and didn't get it.
Yes, shops should make a special effort to accommodate clients who spend lots of money in their shops but at the end of the day it is at the discretion of the shop manager. I am sure they released the apology because that's what people do when they make mistakes or wish to limit further problems.
Stupid anti-French sentiments only cement the belief the entire world has of the average American. This was a silly incident that has been blown up because Oprah was involved.
Look at it from another point of view. A person without 'star status' wants to buy things 15 minutes after a shop closed. The security guard tells them the shop is closed. The person goes home. Where in is the headline story?
If it were the French Prime Minister's wife, would you still say that she should come back the next day since the store was closed. After all, more people WORLDWIDE know Oprah than they do the Prime Minister's wife. Oprah is a BILLIONAIRE who has a TV Show which is broadcast in 112 countries. How many people does the Prime Minister's wife reach?
Simply put: Not all French people are rude.
And not all Americans are nice either.
I just feel bad it happened to her. I love Oprah. I love France as well. To sum it up, I think those French people should just contact their service cable provider. 'Oprah' has reached my country, Philippines, how much more in France. Maybe an extra super-antenna will clear up the reception. Take care!!!!
I really don't think this was a 'racial' incident and Ms Winfrey had a 'Chase' moment, but rather a, 'DON'T THEY KNOW WHO I AM' moment. We are in the 21st Century, and some 'African' Americans still 'play the race card' when things don't go their way when race had nothing to do with it. I'm disappointed Ms Winfrey decided to go this route. And to say this was one of the 'most humiliating' incidents in her life....PULEEEEZE. Earth to Ms Winfrey - if this ranks as one of your top most humiliating moments in life, then life has been pretty cushy for you! And you're going to devote a whole program to this incident. Don't embarrass yourself any further....you'll be the butt of jokes on late night television. Get a grip. The store was closed when you arrived. Perhaps a phone call to Hermes saying your 'entourage' was on the way should have been in order and maybe this 'humiliating' moment would not have occured. Things happen for a reason, and maybe this is a message from God....get your EGO in check.... and don't be Excluding God Out....
I HATE TO BURST YOUR BUBBLES TO YOU ALL BUT ITS NOT RACE CARD OPRAH PULLING OFF BECAUSE OPRAH HAS COME TO ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTFUL HOTEL IN NEW YORK AND I WAS TOLD THAT OUT OF ALL THE CELEBRITIES OPRAH HAS MORE RESPECT TO ALL THE WORKERS THEIR. EVEN IF ITS RACE CARD SHE PULL ITS TRUE THAT IF IT WAS A WHITE CELEBRITY THE STORE WOULD HAVE KISS UP TO THEM.
Failing to let Oprah Winfrey in your store, is like refusing free advertising. The dummies at Hermes should have given her star treatment, and they would have been gloating at the public response, but now they wallow in turmoil at their lack of wisdom.
Poor Oprah, instead of the race card, lets play the 'wealth card'. How many ordinary people could not even get inside a store like that without all the scrutiny of how they dressed, acted or 'carried' themselves! I cannot understand how a big star like Oprah with a complete staff around her could not have called ahead and said Oprah will be in Paris for this length of time and how can she be accommodated. They probably would have had the store opened at midnight if she wanted to go then. Like someone said, those employees were there all day and wanting to go home! Pull in the snob attacks on the store and get on with life Oprah!!!
I totally agree that those French imbecile should be given a lesson. I feel bad for Oprah since a very beautiful person like her suffers from ignorance and racial discrimination. Should it be a clear indication that this so called 'Hermes' people doesnt belong to this world and should be oriented that this world doesnt revolve only on snotty white colored people----anyways, oprah can always buy their company since she is worth $225 Million Dollars US hahahaha and let their snotty staff work for her and let them clean Oprahs toilet bowl!!!! LOL--oh well I love Oprah
OMFG!! What have I done?
If the hermes staff had known that she was an important customer, they would have allowed her coming in the shop. But that lady is completely unknown in France, they dont give a shit of the race, they are just interesting in the money.
High end stores routinely allow after hours shopping for celebs and VIPS, and Oprah has spent a lot of money on their products and I believe even showcased them on the most influential talk show in history. It seems strange the world's most powerful celebrity and the world's ONLY black billionaire who earns over $200 million a year would not be welcome after hours, even if Hermes is telling the truth about a PR event. She's done them enough favours, they can do one for her. This story is very disturbing and I will never shop at hermes.
Oprah is NEITHER the ONLY Black Billionaire nor the first Black Female Billionaire. 'Sheila Johnson: America's first Black female billionaire. 'Sheila Crump Johnson is the cofounder of BET (Black Entertainment Television) with former husband Robert L. Johnson.' This Johnson empire includes Ebony, Jet and Essence among their magazine publications. These publications have been a main staple in the Black communities for DECADES!
See Link: http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_11_58/ai_106700553#continue
The link you posted is wrong. Forbes magazine is the bible of the financial world and Oprah is the only black to qualify for their international billionaire list in 2004 and 2005.
Shiela Johnson has NEVER been listed by authoritative Forbes magazine as a billionaire. Her husband, Robert Johnson was listed but he dropped off the list when he divorced Shiela and the billion dollar fortune was split between the two of them.
Oprah is not only the world's FIRST black woman billionaire, but she's now the world's ONLY black billionaire.
Forbes may be YOUR bible but it's not the WORLD's bible. By the way, of all the people on Forbes list, do YOU PERSONALLY know who's black and who's not?
Since that article DOES in fact state that Shelia Johnson is/was the first Black Female Billionaire, how can someone (Oprah) come AFTER that and still be the 'first'. There can only be ONE first!
Have you ever, seen let alone picked up an Ebony, or Jet Magazine? I grew up on these publications. Ebony Magazine has been around since 1945 and Jet has been around since 1951. 'The first issue of Jet was published on November 1, 1951'
Link: http://www.chipublib.org/002branches/woodson/afamhistmonth/1950s.html
The article mindlessly assumes Shiela Johnson must have been a billionaire because she was married to a billionaire, but the fortune was her husband's, not hers. Bob Johnson was a billionaire and was listed as such by Forbes in 2003.
Now if you want to assume that Shiela Johnson owned half of BET, then the billion dollar fortune gets cut in half and neither of them are billionaires. But Forbes credits Bob Johnson as the owner of BET, and when he sold it to Viacom, he became America's first black billionaire.
Oprah soon after crossed the billion mark and became America's second black billionaire and the world's first black woman billionaire.
But Shiela Johnson was never a billionaire, but when she divorced Bob Johnson, she got half of his billion dollars, so now neither Johnson qualifies as a billionaire and Oprah's the ONLY black billionaire in the entire world.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2003-02-27-forbes-billionaires_x.htm
The above link should lead to article about Oprah joining Forbes billionaire list, and the first paragraph mentions that she's the first black woman to do so.
Bob Johnson deserves great credit for being the first African American billionaire (as confirmed by Forbes), but it's an insult to Oprah to claim Shiela Johnson was a billionaire.
But thanks to Shiela Johnson taking half of Bob Johnson's billion dollar fortune when they divorced, Oprah now has the black billionaire club all to herself.
WAY TO GO OPRAH!
The article does not 'assume' anything. It CLEARLY STATES she is the COFOUNDER of BET along WITH her husband. You are the one assuming the 'man' is the talented one. You make it sound as if Ms. Johnson was just sitting around having tea with the girls. Apparently you didn't read the article.....(the following are quotes from the article:
1. 'Sheila Crump Johnson is the cofounder of BET with former husband Robert L. Johnson.'
2. 'She is a photographer whose work is displayed in galleries and restaurants around Virginia.'
3. 'She is a designer who has created her own line of luxury linens that is manufactured in Italy.'
4. 'She is a savvy businesswoman who employs 25 people. The morning after her groundbreaking event, she sat at the head of a conference table and met with eight (mostly White) bankers and accountants concerning her business affairs.'
Anybody supporting what Hermes did is clearly racist in my opinion.Statements like these would hardly come from people of colour or people who dont give a damn about skin colour. Oprah Winfrey has unending accolades to her name and does not need this for cheap publicity.
She would be having the last laugh though. I'm dying to know if/how the profits of Hermes is gonna be affected by this episode.
I also agree that if all this mess was actually about the store being shut and hence couldnt blah blah then y on earth did they have to apologise. There must have been SOMETHING there that they thought required an apology. Just my opinion.
The point Jim is making is that in order to qualify as a billionaire, you as a single individual must have a net worth exceeding $1 billion. Now because BET was sold to Viacom for around $1.3 billion, the person who owned it became a billionaire, but if both Bob and Shiela owned it together, then neither Johnson would have ever qualified as a billionaire, because the fortune would have always been split between them.
BET may have been the first black owned business worth a billion a dollars, however if more than one person owned it, no single person qualifies for Forbes Billionaire list.
However Forbes ruled that legally the company was owned in Bob Johnson's name so because he had 100% ownership of a business worth a billion, he qualified as America's first black billionaire. It was untill they divorced that Shiela legally took ownership of her share of the company, and now both Johnson's own HALF of that billion dollars, thus today neither of them qualify as billionaires.
This is why Oprah is both the first black woman billionaire and now the world's ONLY black billionaire (male or female).
Okay people, I think we are straying from the subject at hand and it is not who the first black billionaire was.
Haven't shopped at Hermes before. Sounds like a good reason to start.
Oprah needs to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and move on. After her whining, if I was Hermes, I'd cancel her order myself. The store was closed. If she asked to dash in and was refused, it's over. She's rich but that doesn't make her better than anyone else.
Whatever the time of the day, it is unacceptable to use the 'excuse' of having had trouble with some African women to restrict access to the Hermes store to a black person. Bad excuse, bad reasoning, bad behavior as regards individuals' rights to respect. Unfortunately, to our knowledge this type of behavior in which specific groups of citizens are treated unequally is not exceptional. Some persons seem to have forgotten to apply this country's constitutional saying: 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity'. Each one who is able to stand up against unequal treatments whatever the place on earth should do so! So, Oprah, don't forget on this one!!!
Shalom, Peace, Kenbela, Kenavo !!
I thought high-end store ALWAYS allow rich and famous people to shop after hours. I guess that was before a black rich and famous person tried to enjoy the same special treatment that white billionaires and even white millionaires enjoy on a daily basis. And Oprah spent a fortune at Hermes and even promoted them in her magazine, and they still lock her out of the store. These people make me want to vomit.
People, did you not hear the whole story??? The store was NOT closed, there WERE people in the store shopping. (I don't care what the shopping hours are.) They didn't let her in for one reason and one reason only. Had I seen that the store was still open, and they didn't let me in after I advertised for them FREE, I'd be pretty darn ticked my self.
Is everyone joking!!! This is Oprah, not some joe blow like you and I....This woman has probably spent more money in this store than everyone combined on this site will ever spend ANYWHERE!! Fancy stores should open their store afterhours for famous people that will spend thousands there!! It's just common sense!!!
I agree with Kevin
I should have just picked my own cotton!!!!!!!!!
It seems that every time a non-white person does not get their way they quickly shout racism. The store was closed and wouldn't let Oprah in.....big deal! Where's the racism here? And for her to say that if it had been a white person they would have let her in is in itself a racist remark against whites. But, then again, everyone knows that only white people can be racist. Right!? Oprah, shut your fat mouth! Is anyone besides me seeing a pattern here and sick of it yet? I hope so.
Michael, the people just called for the laundry and said your sheets are ready!
If white people are so against black people then why is it that white people are trying to help get rid of famine in africa right now?Is it because we hate black people or is it because we have nothing better to do? No it is because not all white people are racist.
I agree with you Michael. I am really sick of this 'reverse racism' crap too. Whoever wrote the comment that the sheets are ready is a TOTAL IDIOT!!!!!
Hey Trish - you wrote you get tired of people playing the sympathy card in another post - well I'm damn sick and tired of idiots like you finding a way to play the race card in every situation. You actually said Natalee Holloway deserved whatever happened to her because she is a 'too hot white girl'. You are a very, very sick individual and I sincerely hope that when you meet your maker, that he is black and very forgiving, cause if he's not, you gonna burn in hell for all the hatred within you. None of your posts have ANY credibility now that I read what you wrote about Natalee Holloway. You just hate all white people and, as Loren said, you ARE a sick bitch.
Well I do not know no Natalee Halloway. you know there can be a millions trisha's out there . I went through this site and all the posts with the name trisha are posted by me.
How did u get racist from that? If anyone is full of hatred n hostility for no apparent reason...its kinda obvious its you honey. For the record, Im white. I dont hate Black people or white people.I just have a problem with Rascit and hate filled people.
The Oprah Hermes fiasco acc to me wouldve been a non issue had the store not said that they were having a problem with North Africans lately. And the fact that Hermes issued an apology. I wouldnt know what happened there for sure.It just my opinion.
And quit with all the HATE POSTS people. Isnt there like enough of that aldready.....Its sickening to read....Just me wanna puke
S,
Your sheets are ready also.
Is the cross ready too? I've got the lighter.
OKAY PEOPLE. I'M TIRED OF READING ALL THIS BICKERING OVER SUCH A STUPID INCIDENT. I WILL DISCUSS THIS ON MY SHOW IN THE FALL. UNTIL YOU ALL KNOW ALL THE FACTS, PLEASE DON'T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS.
THANKS
I won't buy at Hermes either, because a) I'm not an ego-filled fashion plate, b) can't afford it, c) I don't give a sh-t and d)most of her viewers are women, secondarily educated (meaning, not much past grade 12, except for her audience), stuck at home raising chil'n, who wanna be just like her and will never buy from Hermes either because they too can't afford it.
Oprah's not the only one. What about Russell Crowe's issue in New York? Anti-Australian operators who refuse him a call to the little woman? Maybe (ooh, I smell a new controversey). Or how about Justine Bateman (while on Family Ties) who freaked in an LA restaurant because the table she wanted to sit at was dirty and she couldn't wait for the staff to clean it.
Who cares about one woman's refusal into a store or having to wait for a frickin' table? Oprah has done her best throughout her career to favour and exploit what she knows. Being a different colour and playing victim, which has fueled continuous fear and loathing in our society. She forgets she's a journalist first, she has no more rights or privileges than any other human being on this planet. She bragged one show about preferring her sheets be changed every two days because 'they feel crisp'. One guest told her curtly, 'That's not practical for most people.' She looked insulted and gave the guy a cool stare.
Sure the French are pig dogs, (check out the latest rant from Chirac at the G8 about English cuisine). No wonder they lost the Paris 2012 bid and half the world to England. But it's their choice. Just look at Napoleon's dismal track record. Let little Oprah say what she wants and let her spend her millions somewhere else and no one will know the wiser.
I say, get on with life. Stop focusing on the trival details and living vicariously through others and make real change in the world.
Slainte,
D
When Oprah dies of old age or whatever she dies of she will be so upset because she will be treated the same way as the common person.Enjoy life on earth cause you will be treated no differently than the person that lived on the streets and God will not listen to people complaining about white people,black people or people with polka dots.
Shiela is the first Black Female Billionaire. She was co-founder of BET with her husband Robert Johnson. When they had divorced, they split the fortune after the sell of BET's stock of $2.5 Billionaire. She is also making money from vast real estate holdings. Donald Trump would love to shake her hand. You know he doen't shake too many people hands. Oprah is one and Sheila is another.
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SJun 23rd, 2005 - 05:28:42
Okay, I would be pissed about the incident even if I wasn't a big star. But are they sure there were customers in the store or was it the sales people straightening up after work? I haven't seen what time the store actually closed, but if it was more than a 5-10 minutes after closing, the staff was probably ready to get out of there. I guess the big stars are just used to the 'star treatment' and expect everyone to bow down no matter how inconvenient for the peons. It would have been good business sense to let her make the purchase though. Somebody may be getting fired over this one.
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