Oprah WinfreyHarpo Productions’ production company has denied rumors that the TV host received $1 million to participate in an online event in support of the Democratic candidate. Kamala Harris.

“The campaign funded the production costs of ‘Unite for America,’ a live-streamed event that took place on September 19 outside of Detroit, Michigan,” a Harpo spokesperson said in a statement. press release. via Variety. “At no time during the campaign did Oprah Winfrey pay any personal fees, nor did she receive any fees from Harpo.”

The statement follows a report published speak Washington Examinerwhich examined how the Harris campaign used the billion dollars raised over three months. The report said the campaign “paid more than $15 million, according to federal filings,” for “event production.” This included a $1 million payment to Harpo Productions for the “Unite for America” event, which took place in September.

Several media outlets later reported that Winfrey herself had been paid for the event. Monday, TMZ posted a video asking Winfrey if it was true that she received $1 million to support Harris. “That’s not true,” Winfrey replied. “I never got paid. »

Winfrey was a staunch Democratic supporter throughout the election cycle. In August, she spoke at the DNCcalling on independent and undecided voters to support Harris. “America is a work in progress,” Winfrey told the crowd. “It requires commitment. It requires being open to the hard work and heart work of democracy and, from time to time, standing up to the tyrants of life.”

She added: “Let us choose the sweet promise of tomorrow rather than the bitter return to yesterday. We will not return there. We will not be pushed aside, pushed away, intimidated, dismissed. We will not return there. Let’s choose the truth. Let’s choose honor and choose joy! Because this is the best of America.

The “Unite for America” event took place live on September 19. It featured Winfrey interviewing Harris as well as appearances from Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Bryan Cranston. According to ReutersThe Harris campaign said nearly 200,000 people signed up to watch the live broadcast, while nearly 100,000 people signed up to watch on YouTube. Winfrey then joined Harris at her rally in Philadelphia ahead of Election Day.