By: A.J. Niles
Oprah Winfrey threw herself into a parental quarrel of sorts as she helped out her father, Vernon Winfrey, 80, by becoming the new owner of his barbershop. Vernon Winfrey’s barbershop has been in Nashville, Tennessee for over 50 years. Vernon, along with his current wife Barbara Winfrey, built a new location for the business, which landed in foreclosure.
Barbara told WSMV-TV in Nashville, Tennessee that she had a plan in place to deal with the foreclosure but Vernon did not like the plan.
Instead of following Barbara’s plan, Vernon looked to his famous daughter to purchase the property in a bank auction. Barbara blames Oprah for Vernon not following her plan, which relinquished ownership of the property away from Barbara and Vernon.
“I know what is going on. I’m tired of it, and I’ve had enough. “There is no reason for it to go into foreclosure like this. The property is upside down, which is what a lot of properties are. It cost us $481,000 to build this building, but it’s only worth $350,000. “People are giving him wrong advice, and it’s leaving me in a situation where all I can do is fight for me.”
“He believes what he’s told. His daughter doesn’t care about the community. His daughter doesn’t care about the barbershop. But I do.”
Oprah Winfrey’s publicist issued a statement to WSMV-TV about the purchase:
“Oprah purchased the property that was in foreclosure,” and that, “Vernon Winfrey has been a fixture in the community for decades and will continue to manage the business on a day-to-day basis.”
Vernon was also interviewed by WSMV-TV and revealed why he allowed Oprah to buy the shop, that he and Barbara are not on the best of terms right now and is in his right mind.
“My wife and I, we have not been getting along well, and I did not want to endow myself to another drawn-out, struggling debt,”
It was also revealed that Vernon is going through the process of divorcing his current wife Barbara, a move she didn’t anticipate from the 80 year old.
Damn. I guess Oprah wasn’t feeling her step mom to begin with. But it also sounds like her Dad is fully aware of what’s happening and no longer wants to be married.
I don’t really see a problem because it seems like Oprah’s dad wanted a way out and she gave him one. It happens. At least she came through and kept her dad from losing his business. It sucks for the wife though.