Frey lied... Oprah apologizes

Jan 26, 2006 by Mike Browne in Hmmmmmm

Frey admits lying; Oprah apologizes to viewers
"Controversial author altered tale, claims to no longer fully recall details"

Can't fully recall details? No kidding. Having lived through somewhat similar things (the real parts) as Mr Frey I can understand that. However, perhaps he should have clarifed all that prior to having his book called a memoir and then lying to cover up his other lies. Had he gone the 12 step route like many others he may have learned about honesty and this may have kept the current pain of facing his wrongs out of his life. Who knows?

I have written parts of my story into fictional things that I've written. Every writer does to some degree. To call that kind of writing a memoir would be outrageous. My story is fairly tame (to the point of being sleep inducing) compared to some, one late friend's self-administered 2x4 to the head comes to mind, so I'd have to "spice it up". However, if I ever write anything like A Million Little Pieces it will be a novel. My life just ain't that exciting.

Our stories are quite similar in a number of ways including our ages at the time of 'hitting bottom' so I very much relate to him. I wish Mr Frey well and hope this doesn't send him backward into that world his book is about escaping from. I'm grateful I've gone the direction I went and have the friends I do. Troubled times are much easier as a result.

CBC Article

Comments

Jan 26, 2006, 16:20:14 Dianne wrote:

I could only watch the first 45 minutes of Oprah but needless to say I was not impressed with her sanctimonious attitude. Geeze, she made a mistake...get over it. I really admired Ms. Oprah up until this point. Anyone I have met that has read the "book" actually said some parts were so far fetched and seemingly untrue but as a novel was a very good read. I also I seriously doubt any memoir or auto-biography is soley based on truth without embellishment...who the heck would read it! I would like to say to James Frey "Hold On" - keep writing and I will read it....

Jan 26, 2006, 22:23:57 Pauly wrote:

I agree, Dianne. I hung in for the extra 15 minutues and I must say I've never seen Oprah in such bad performance. She made herself seem so hard done by because this guy duped her. He looked pretty damned humble sitting there and yet there was not much said about his doing the right thing and coming clean. Oprah didn't make a mistake - she booked a liar. Her researchers are as much to blame as the foolos at Doublrday that let this one slip through. And as for her being embarrassed - when did this whole issue become about her?

Jan 27, 2006, 07:41:30 thezookeeper wrote:

Y'know I'm so sick of this crap. And Oprah crying like a baby. Frey's apologized I don't know how many times....Like Dianne said..."Get Over It".

I don't even like watching CNN anymore because everything is so embellished and depressing.