Swiss apology to Oprah Winfrey after ‘racist encounter’
ByThe Courier Reporter
Winfrey is said to have earned $77m last year.
Oprah Winfrey says she had a racist encounter while shopping in Switzerland and the national tourist office and the shop owner have apologised.
A shop assistant in Zurich refused to show her a black handbag priced at $38,000 (£24,500), saying she would not be able to afford it.
Forbes magazine estimates Winfrey earned $77 million (£50 million) in the year ending in June.
Winfrey was in town to attend last month’s wedding of Tina Turner, who lives in a chateau along Lake Zurich.
Shop owner Trudie Goetz said an assistant had shown Winfrey several other items before the “misunderstanding” over the bag, which was kept behind a screen.
Ms Goetz told reporters she was “truly sorry” because her staff are well trained to treat customers well.
“I have to admit that the employee is Italian. Of course, she speaks English, but not as well as her mother tongue It was a real misunderstanding.”
Swiss apology to Oprah Winfrey after ‘racist encounter’
