Hollywood is known as the land of glitz, glamour, and billion-dollar blockbusters. However, beneath the dazzling lights and red carpets, there exists a darker side that many believe the entertainment industry would rather keep hidden. From shocking allegations against celebrities to a controversial film that Hollywood appears to be ignoring, this story may change how you see Tinseltown.

Recently, actor Mel Gibson has made headlines—not for a new movie, but for his bold claims about the industry. According to Gibson, Hollywood has a sinister underbelly tied to trafficking, exploitation, and corruption. Even more shocking is the alleged involvement of media mogul Oprah Winfrey. These accusations have left many questioning the reality behind Hollywood’s polished facade.

Oprah Winfrey has long been considered one of America’s most influential media personalities, a trusted figure who has changed countless lives. However, Gibson’s claims suggest that her public image may not tell the whole story. The controversy deepens with allegations connecting her to powerful and controversial individuals, including Jeffrey Epstein. While there is no concrete evidence linking Oprah to Epstein’s crimes, speculation has spread rapidly, fueled by Gibson’s statements and online conspiracy theories.

Gibson has not been quiet about his focus on human trafficking. He has collaborated with anti-trafficking organizations and is reportedly working on a documentary exposing powerful figures involved in these crimes. He alleges that some of these individuals are hiding in plain sight, celebrated by the very industry that shapes global culture.

A key element in this unfolding drama is the film Sound of Freedom. Released in 2023, the film tells the true story of a federal agent risking everything to rescue children from human traffickers. Directed by Alejandro Monteverde and starring Jim Caviezel, Sound of Freedom achieved remarkable financial success, grossing over $250 million on a modest $14.5 million budget. Despite this, major Hollywood studios and streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, have shown little interest in the film. Disney, which initially owned the distribution rights after acquiring 20th Century Fox, reportedly sat on the project for years before allowing the filmmakers to buy it back.

Many question why Hollywood has distanced itself from a film with such an important message. Some believe it is because Sound of Freedom exposes issues that the entertainment industry would prefer to avoid. Reports have also surfaced of technical difficulties at theaters screening the movie, such as air conditioning failures, sound malfunctions, and lights staying on—leading to further speculation of an intentional effort to suppress the film’s reach.

While Oprah Winfrey has been at the center of these conspiracy theories, she has also faced real challenges. In 2007, allegations of abuse surfaced at her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. She personally addressed the issue, taking corrective action and expressing deep regret. This incident, along with her associations with controversial figures, has made her a target for scrutiny.

The entertainment industry has faced numerous scandals over the years, from Harvey Weinstein’s abuses to Epstein’s high-profile connections. Whether or not Gibson’s claims hold weight, they have certainly ignited a conversation. Sound of Freedom has brought renewed attention to the horrors of human trafficking, ensuring that the topic remains in the spotlight.

Ultimately, whether one believes the accusations or not, awareness is key. The more these issues are discussed, the harder it becomes for those in power to operate in secrecy. The truth may be out there, but it is up to us to uncover it.

No, Mel Gibson didn’t accuse Oprah Winfrey of selling children

A persistent misinformation trope: Actor Mel Gibson regularly lobs child sex trafficking allegations against high-profile A-listers.

An Aug. 14 Facebook post purportedly reveals a new salvo in this supposed battle of good against evil with a claim that Gibson has accused media magnate Oprah Winfrey of selling children.

“You sell children!” reads a quote over what appears to be an image of Gibson generated by artificial intelligence.

“You have no proof,” reads another quote over a similar image of Winfrey.

“This lady is evil!” reads a third quote alongside images of Gibson and Winfrey.

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“VIDΕO: Mel Gɪbson Gears Up Tᴏ Confront Oprah Winfrey By Unveiling Her Hidᴅen Misᴅeeds in Hollywood!,” the post’s caption says. “Full VIDEO below.”

This post was flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads.)

The link to the promised “full video” in the post’s comments leads to a blog with a URL including “breakingnews” and gamemarvel” with fractured, unfinished sentences such as, “Gibson claims that Winfrey is involved in unethical practices in Hollywood. Specific details are yet to be revealed, but Gibson hint”

The video itself is more than 10 minutes, but it includes no evidence that Gibson accused Winfrey of selling children, or of “unethical practices in Hollywood.”

Rather, it rehashes old false claims about “Hollywood” blocking his efforts to raise awareness about child sex trafficking.

Gibson’s representatives didn’t respond to PolitiFact’s questions about the post. But Alan Nierob, Gibson’s publicist, told Lead Stories that “none of this is true.”

We found no credible news coverage or other reliable sources, such as public statements from Gibson, to contradict that.

We rate this post Pants on Fire!