Oprah Winfrey 'was victim of racism' in Switzerland

[iemitsu]

130. I'm ususally not one to defend the uber-rich,

but discrimination, based on race, is not okay. Not even if the one being harmed is super rich.
Sure Oprah can survive this incident, she can probably even determine much about the future career of the clerk, who suggested she couldn't afford a purse.
That's not the point.
The point is that non-white people, even rich ones, are treated differently (and as something less than equal) by exclusive stores in Switzerland, and by extension reveals (or confirms other evidence suggesting the same) racist or xenophobic aspects of Swiss society.
Many of those, "who would be grateful to make $40,000/year", or "those who are long-term unemployed or who are raising children who need medical care and can't get it.", are also ethnic minorities, whose lives are made more difficult by racist attitudes and behaviors.
I imagine those people do have some sympathy for Oprah, since it suggests that no amount of money and talent can help one escape the nasty effects of racism. If she can't get there, they can't either.
Besides, Oprah is not the worst rich person. She worked to earn her wealth, it was not given to her by well-to-do parents. And her wealth is not built on exploitation.