Oprah Winfrey has reportedly spent a significant amount of money to stop the release of a documentary about her life that was slated for Apple TV+. The project, first announced in January 2021, was set to be directed by Kevin Macdonald (Whitney) and produced by longtime collaborator Lisa Erspamer, who worked on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
According to Page Six, the documentary has seen no updates since its initial announcement, with reports surfacing that Winfrey and Macdonald “clashed” over the direction of the film. Daily Mail reported, “Kevin made the film, but Oprah didn’t like it and he refused to change it, and Oprah has paid back her fee to Apple.”
A spokesperson for Winfrey confirmed that she had bought back the rights to the documentary, effectively shelving the project. The representative stated, “As the Apple TV+ deal was coming to an end, Ms. Winfrey bought back the rights to her docu-series and has since decided to put the doc on hold.”
Winfrey’s content deal with Apple TV+ concluded in September 2022, at which point she decided to regain control of the documentary. A representative for Winfrey further explained, “Ms. Winfrey believes Lisa Erspamer and Kevin Macdonald are incredibly talented filmmakers and is grateful for the time and energy they put into the project.”
While exact figures remain unclear, industry insiders have suggested that Winfrey may have paid millions to buy back the rights to the film. However, some sources dispute this, claiming the cost was likely less than seven figures.
The decision to halt the documentary and reclaim the rights highlights Winfrey’s desire to maintain creative control over her image and projects, ensuring that any portrayal of her life aligns with her vision.