Oprah Winfrey has invited James Frey back to be interviewed on her show. In 2006, Oprah interviewed James Frey, author of ‘A Million Little Pieces,’ a book about Frey’s recovery from his drug addiction. During the previous year, Oprah had chosen Frey’s book as one of her book club books. This was the golden ticket for Frey as this made his book a million dollar book. During the months that followed the book selection, it came to Oprah’s attention that Frey may have “embellished” some of the stories in his book. Oprah was not happy.
During the interview in 2006, Oprah stated, “You conned us all. It’s embarrassing and disappointing for me.” She seemed on the verge of tears, as if Frey had personally done this to her. Having read the book, I found it to be a great read, whether there were embellishments or not. But Oprah felt differently.
Since that show, Oprah has apologized. According to Frey, Winfrey explained that she now realizes that tearing him apart on her show was actually about “her bruised ego and the pain of having been personally betrayed.” After all, she is the one who brought the book to the public’s attention by selecting ‘Pieces’ for her book club.
What will happen next week when she brings Frey back for the two day interview? I predict she’ll be very sorrowful and apologetic. She should be. She was extremely harsh, almost rude and condescending to him last time. If you want to see what happens, tune in May 16 and May 17.
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Aly
05/11/2011
I think that was pretty shitty of Oprah too. But I suppose if I were that wealthy and had a network at my disposal, I’d have my tantrums on air as well.
But I do so love the favorite things episodes.
Jules
05/13/2011
I do love the favorite things too! Maybe you could do that here, on SI!
jodifur
05/11/2011
I never watch Oprah, but this I really want to see. I had no idea Oprah apologized.
Also, never been here before. Love the site!
Jules
05/13/2011
Thanks! Yeah, Oprah obviously took her own advice about being a better person…Maybe she’s doing yoga now?
Libby
05/11/2011
Nah, I think she’s just bringing him back for Smackdown part II. After all, that was one of her highest rated shows ever.
Jules
05/13/2011
THAT could be… Frey: Smackdown Parts 2 and 3
Jen
05/12/2011
I’m interested to watch. I never read his first book but heard how terrific it was. Then, I got a bit turned off about the deception. Now it is happening with Three Cups of Tea. I think most authors should just admit that what they are writing is “based on true events” but is not completely fact. It’s too easy to embellish and let’s be honest, more interesting most of the time.
Jules
05/13/2011
Unless you are documenting every single day, how can you write the exact details? I couldn’t even tell you what happened an hour ago!
Shit. There goes my autobiography.