Original Air Date:
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Guests:
Oprah welcomed the following guests to the show:
- Mackenzie Phillips
- Rena
- Kathryn Harrison
Show Summary:
When Mackenzie Phillips first revealed her secret that she had a 10 year relationship with her father on Oprah's stage, she stated that she hoped that her coming out would help other women who had experienced similar stories also open up; knowing she couldn't be the only one. On this episode, Oprah welcomed two women to the show and three others anonymously, who wished to share their stories and thank Mackenzie for her courage to come out to the world about the very taboo topic of incest.
Special Highlights:
This episode featuring the stories of incest survivors included the following highlights:
- Guest Rena shared how she had a relationship with her half-brother that began by her being abused starting at 4 and continuing until she was 25. Rena explained that she craved his love and attention, but always knew it was wrong.
- Mackenzie shared how a conversation with Dr. Berman helped her re-consider using the word consensual when describing her situation. She now uses the terms participated or cooperated with abuse from her father instead of consenting to an affair.
- Oprah and Rena discussed the shame and guilt that surrounds the sexual abuse, especially involving manipulation and grooming from the abuser.
More Highlights:
- Kathryn Harrison, author of the memoir The Kiss described her 4 year sexual relationship with her estranged father that began when she was 20 and in college.
- Stunned by the advances made on her by her father, Kathryn explained how it eventually turned into a "total possession of the other."
- Eventually Kathryn was told it was all or nothing with her father, and she chose nothing.
- Oprah also showed clips of three anonymous women explaining their incest stories.
- "Elizabeth" stated that she was "not consenting to sex, but asking for love." This statement connected with Oprah and caused her to cry.
What to Take Away from the Show:
After watching this episode, it was clear that what Mackenzie Phillips had to share was of great value to the women who needed to hear it. While Mackenzie has received much criticism for opening up about something so private, this show proved that revealing her story had a purpose and healing quality not only for her, but for the millions of other survivors around the world struggling with their own secret, guilt and shame.
Products Featured in This Episode:
Mackenzie Phillips - 'High on Arrival'
Simon Spotlight
High on Arrival, a memoir from child star Mackenzie Phillips, was released in September of 2009 by Simon Spotlight Entertainment; the same day Mackenzie sat down for her first interview with Oprah. The book discusses Mackenzie's drug abuse, relationships, and incestuous relationship with her father, John Phillips of the Mamas and Papas.
Kathryn Harrison - 'The Kiss'
Avon Books
Kathryn Harrison's memoir, The Kiss, was released by Avon Books in 1998. The book describes Kathryn's experience while in a 4 year incestuous relationship with her father that began when she was 20.