Oprah Answers For Tweeting Nielsen Viewers During Grammys

Oprah Winfrey claims Sunday-night tweets during the 54th Annual Grammy Awards have been taken out of context.

The OWN mogul and former daytime-talk queen explained Monday that Nielsen viewer-directed tweets hyping Sunday evening's "Oprah Last Chapter" weren't sent with intent to hurt the Grammy telecast's rating, reports Entertainment Weekly. Winfrey tweeted at the start of both her show and, on CBS, the Grammy ceremony "Every 1 who can please turn to OWN especially if you have a Nielsen box." She later added, "Commercial Grammy people...you can turn to OWN."

More than a few Twitter users reportedly replied that Winfrey came across as "desperate" and "begging for viewers." Led by Adele's first live public performance since career-threatening vocal chord surgery, her sweep in six nominated categories and Jennifer Hudson's tribute performance to the late Whitney Houston, the Grammy ceremony was watched by 39.9 million viewers and scored a 14.1 rating among adults 18-49 years old, the most viewers since the 1984 telecast and the highest rating since 1990.

Winfrey shot back several times: "The word 'please' is used as a courtesy not a beg" . . . "Desperate not ever a part of my vocabulary" . . . "'Unethical a little harsh don't u think? Seemed like it made sense to me. Sorry if u're offended." Oprah later deleted the offending tweets.

As noted by Deadline, networks can't specifically target Nielsen subscribers "to change viewing habits."

"In accordance with our policies and procedures, Nielsen is reviewing this incident with our clients and we may withold, breakout and/or make a note in the ratings," a Nielsen rep told EW.com. "We take any violation of our policy seriously and will work with clients to resolve the situation."

Oprah has also issued a statement, saying "I intended no harm and apologize for the reference."

Kudos to Nielsen representatives for holding fast to their rules, but although Winfrey's wording and timing does indeed come across "desperate," it's a stretch suggesting she really meant any harm. Keep in mind, OWN hasn't been around that long and Winfrey might not have had quite the wherewithall as a network head yet to consider how that might've come across.

Reprimand her sternly, then send her on her way.