Oprah Winfrey faces criticism after arriving in Australia by private jet

Oprah Winfrey criticised online after travelling to Sydney by private jet

Oprah Winfrey has faced criticism online after arriving in Australia by private jet ahead of a speaking tour.

The reaction followed a viral post from The Betoota Advocate highlighting her arrival in Sydney aboard a private aircraft. While the publication framed its commentary satirically, reports and images confirmed that Winfrey travelled by private jet, prompting debate on social media.

Commenters questioned the environmental impact of private aviation, particularly when associated with public figures who have previously discussed sustainability and personal responsibility.

Private jets consume significantly more fuel per passenger than commercial flights and are often cited in discussions about aviation-related emissions.

Winfrey has previously written about reflecting on everyday waste. In an article for Oprah Daily, she noted that small actions, including the use of plastic bottles or paper towels, made her consider her personal environmental footprint. She wrote that collective neglect and ill treatment could eventually be “our undoing”.

Some critics argued that such statements appear inconsistent with private air travel. Online responses to her recent trip were direct. One commenter wrote, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Another added, “Too important to fly commercial and possibly help reduce tons of CO2 into the atmosphere?” A third suggested, “Could have just gone online for the chat instead of coming here and polluting the country?”

Debate over private jet usage has intensified in recent years, with scrutiny often focused on high-profile individuals. Reporting has indicated that a relatively small number of wealthy travellers account for a disproportionate share of aviation emissions.

Some public figures have acknowledged the environmental impact of frequent private flying, while others continue to face criticism. Winfrey has not publicly responded to the reaction surrounding her arrival in Australia.