Nathaniel Branden and Oprah

I did a quick search, but didn't come across anything, but ...

I seem to recall that Nathaniel Branden was a celebrated regular guest on Oprah's TV show, many years ago.

Then - as I vaguely recall - something changed that relationship and I don't think Branden ever appeared again.

Perhaps this occurred about the time Barbara Branden's book came out - or when this TV movie came out?

I must admit, when Branden first appeared on Oprah I thought the guy was "right on" with his ideas; a guy worth paying attention to.

But, as time went on, I began to get the sense this guy was more of a "spin-meister"; even Svengali-like. Someone who's guru gimmickry had cast a spell on Oprah as well.

When Rand came to this country she re-invented herself (nothing wrong with that) and became a guru of sorts - in her own right (also, not necessarily a bad thing).

Could it be that Branden was a "user" - planting his flag (so to speak) within Rand's empire; hitching a ride; ambitious; a young dynamic man taking advantage of an older woman? a skilful manipulator? A psychotherapist.

A psychotherapist (the-rapist), it might also be said, who was not above sleeping with his patients?

Though Barbara seems to want to be compassionate toward Nathaniel in the end - I think she was being too kind.