Oprah Duped and Angry
Today the scandalized author of A Million Little Pieces, James Frey, appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show to face the woman whose endorsement helped A Million Little Pieces become a #1 selling memoir.
Oprah earnestly began the show stating that she had been in television since the age of 19 and had never been in this position before. She also said that she regretted the call she made to the Larry King show (a few weeks prior), in which she appeared to support Frey's memoir, despite a thorough investigation by The Smoking Gun website (link below), and mounting evidence that he had fabricated and blatantly embellished many of the crucial details in his memoir.
Frey's second appearance on the show received a frosty reception by Oprah and the audience, (who continually groaned in disbelief and resentment). During the show Oprah urged the audience to let a stuttering Frey speak as he attempted to explain the infamous no Novocain root canal story many believe was fabricated. Oprah was furious, hurt, and barely able to mask her disdain. The bravado filled bad guy image Frey had worked so hard to create was no longer evident as Frey appeared anxious, uncomfortable, and unable to redeem himself. Though Oprah hammered away in an attempt to get Frey to acknowledge the lies he had told, and explain his reasons behind it, Frey remained vague, unable or unwilling to be completely forthright, repeatedly sipping from a glass of water, and only admitting to fabricating a few details ("discrepancies" as he called it). Frey also used the word "characters" when referring to the people written of in the book, a stark contrast to his earlier portrayal of them as completely nonfiction. Frey admitted to creating a larger then life, self inflated image of himself, as a coping mechanisms to survive his drug and alcoholic fueled days.
Doubleday publisher, Nan A. Talese, was also appeared on the show (and now says she regrets it) seemed just as unwilling as Frey to take responsibility for her choices regarding the memoir. "What responsibility do you take in that," asked an indignant Oprah, explaining that as a reader she relies on the publisher to correctly categorize the books they publish. Talese side stepped the question, reiterating that at the time (the book was published) she had complete faith in what Frey had written.
Talese went on to say that the "whole experience has been sad" for everyone. Oprah quickly responded, "It's not sad for me. It's embarrassing and disappointing..." A shame filled Frey said little for the rest of the show.
I am glad that Oprah acknowledged the mistake she had made by calling into the Larry King Live show in defense of "the essence of the story," stating, "I deeply regret leaving the impression (on the Larry King Live Show) that the truth doesn't matter. Because it does". Oprah acknowledged that she was blinded by the intense testimonials by readers (including herself and staff) who were inspired by the dramatic tale.
Unfortunately, the truth has come a little to late. Though I applaud Frey for overcoming addictions that have destroyed and taken the lives of so many, I feel that the lies he included are too big to ignore. Some are saying that it is only 18 pages worth of lies in a book almost 400 pages long, therefore, we should not be so judgmental and simply accept that he did exaggerate but it does not take away from his story. But are we so lax on our standards now that we accept half truths so easily? As Oprah inquired, why didn't he just use the disclaimer "based on" rather then call it a memoir? Also, the things he lied or embellished were some of the biggest and most dramatic points in the memoir. Without those salacious details the novel would not have received such intense media attention and such a loyal following.
A Million Little Pieces has already sold millions and continues to do well on the New York Times nonfiction paperback bestseller list and Amazon. I wish there were a way he could be held legally and financially responsible for his lies and be forced to pay back every person who feels had. Frey used the lives of people who had died tragically to promote his own ego-filled reckless bad boy image, and now he is reaping millions. Hopefully his sequel, My Friend Leonard, will not be rewarded in the same way.
I'm going to end today's blog with a quote from Joe Paterno that applies perfectly to Mr. Frey. "Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won't taste good".
Note: for those interested in learning more I suggest you check it out The Smoking Gun investigation. http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0104061jamesfrey1.html
