Oprah Winfrey ready to accept backlash over scandalous megachurch drama 'Greenleaf'

By Lorraine Caballero
Christian Daily
May 31, 2016

http://www.christiandaily.com/article/oprah-winfrey-ready-to-accept-backlash-over-scandalous-megachurch-drama-greenleaf/52705.htm

Oprah Winfrey speaks on stage during a tribute to Nelson Mandela at the 45th NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California, February 22, 2014.

Oprah Winfrey says she will accept the backlash that will come with her upcoming megachurch drama, "Greenleaf," when it airs next month.

A month ahead of the debut of "Greenleaf" on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), the executive producer is already expecting negative feedback on the show's scandalous megachurch drama. The story will center on a wealthy and unfaithful family managing a corporate black megachurch in Memphis, Tennessee.

During the advance screening of "Greenleaf" for industry and media on Wednesday, Oprah Winfrey was asked about her thoughts on the comparison of her series to the '80s cult soap opera. The rest of the main characters in the series also seem prepared to receive the backlash on the story, The Wrap notes.

"We'll take it," said Winfrey.

The first hour of the screening covers various scandals that hound churches of different faiths. These issues include sexual abuse, religious leaders' personal gains, church leaders' marital infidelity, and the preferential tax status of huge corporate churches.

However, Winfrey said she does not want the series to reflect the real-life Bishop T.D. Jakes, who is the head of a megachurch in Dallas. In a phone call, she previously assured the pastor that she will not do anything that will dishonor Jakes' church.

"The only resemblance is that our main character is named 'Bishop' and your name is 'Bishop,'" Winfrey told Jakes. "From my lips to your ears, 'I, Oprah Winfrey, am not going to do anything that disrespects the church. I am sitting where I am today because of the black church."

In addition, Winfrey says she sees the upcoming TV show as another platform to spread the message that people have a lot in common. She added that the series will also highlight the importance of sticking with one's beliefs, The Washington Times relays.

"Greenleaf" is set to premiere on Tuesday, June 21 at 10 p.m. on OWN. The show will then air every Wednesday at 10 p.m.