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Beef History Lesson Why The U.S. Beef Industry Once Sued Oprah Winfrey Ranch It Up Herd It Here Episode 141. Jeff Tigger Erhardt

EPISODE 141 DETAILS

Legal Battle Involving Agriculture, Free Speech, and The U.S. Beef Industry

One of the most talked-about moments in beef industry history happened nearly 30 years ago, when television icon Oprah Winfrey found herself in a Texas courtroom.

In April of 1996, during an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, guest Howard Lyman raised concerns about mad cow disease, or BSE, and the possibility it could spread in the United States. After hearing the discussion, Oprah famously said it had “stopped me cold from eating another burger.”

At the time, fears surrounding mad cow disease were growing around the world, even though the disease had not been found in U.S. cattle. The comments drew sharp criticism from cattle producers, especially in Texas, the nation’s largest beef-producing state.

In 1997, a group of Texas cattlemen sued Oprah and Lyman for more than $10 million under the state’s food disparagement law, arguing the broadcast unfairly damaged consumer confidence and contributed to declining cattle prices.

The case went to trial in Amarillo in 1998. After six weeks of testimony, the jury ruled in favor of Oprah and Lyman, finding they had not violated the law or defamed the beef industry. A later appeal was also unsuccessful, bringing the case to a close.

Today, the lawsuit remains one of the best-known legal battles involving agriculture, free speech, and the U.S. beef industry.

REFERENCE: https://www.tastingtable.com/2206356/us-beef-oprah-lawsuit-explained/

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