Winfrey Takes Winans Off Show

NEW YORK – Oprah Winfrey says she’s keeping singer BeBe Winans (WHY’-nans) off her show until domestic violence charges against him are resolved.

The gospel singer had taped appearances on Winfrey’s “karaoke challenge” and was on last Friday. Following the show, some bloggers questioned whether Winfrey was guilty of a double standard by including Winans when she took a strong stand against domestic violence following Chris Brown’s assault of then-girl friend Rihanna.

Winans was charged with misdemeanor domestic assault last winter for allegedly pushing ex-wife Debra Winans to the ground. He has a court date set for Jan. 20.

Winfrey spokesman Don Halcombe says Winans is off the karaoke segment.