Australian Store Removes Racist Dolls In Advance Of Oprah Visit
Dec. 9 2010, Published 10:00 a.m. ET
Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey’s trip to Australia has stirred-up a racism controversy over a “Mamee” washer woman style doll, Radaronline.com has learned. A doll shop in Melbourne withdrew the golliwog style dolls from its display window after a visit by Oprah’s production company.
The Dafel Dolls and Bears Shop will stage a cocktail party for 110 of the American superstar’s guests on Friday evening.
The store’s owner would not comment on the situation because they had signed a confidentiality agreement with Oprah’s Harpo Productions.
But they did confirm that a meeting had taken place between the two parties.
"Oprah's people came ... and yes it was discussed," a source familiar with the agreement told the Australian Herald Sun newspaper.
Ironically, despite removing the ‘Mamee’ washer woman dolls, the store will continue to display other golliwog dolls.
It’s understood that her representatives did not think that the washer woman doll was politically correct and seemed inappropriate considering Oprah’s international status as a pioneering black entertainment figure.
Winfrey kicked off her 25th and final season of The Oprah Winfrey Show in September by surprising her audience for what she's billed as Oprah’s Ultimate Australia Adventure.
The hand-picked audience was comprised of the show's most loyal viewers over the years.
John Travolta made a surprise appearance on that show, as Oprah announced he would be personally piloting one of the planes. He ended up having to cancel because of the recent birth of his son Benjamin.
Winfrey -- who flew by private jet to the land Down Under -- traveled separately from her 300 audience members who arrived earlier Tuesday in Sydney.
During her trip to Australia, she'll be taping three shows, two of which are expected to be taped on December 14 at the famed Sydney Opera House. A third show will document her and the audience's travels around the country.
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
During their 8-day adventure in Australia, the audience will have a busy and fun-filled schedule, enjoying everything from surfing lessons and snorkeling to nature hikes and beachside barbecues.
VIDEO: Oprah Sets The Record Straight On BF Gayle -- 'I Don't Know A Better Person'
RELATED STORIES:
Surf's Up! Oprah Makes A Splash In Australia
