Miss Cleo: Miss Cleo, the flamboyant psychic with the booming voice and the thick Jamaican accent, was a fixture in late-night infomercials throughout the 1990s. Her flamboyant persona and promises of guidance captivated millions, but her empire came crashing down amidst accusations of deceptive advertising. So, how much did Miss Cleo earn during her heyday, and what is her net worth today?
The Height of the Psychic Hotline
At the peak of her fame, Miss Cleo was the face of Psychic Readers Network, a psychic hotline that raked in millions of dollars. The network’s infomercials, featuring Miss Cleo’s dramatic pronouncements and pronouncements of “a change gonna come,” were impossible to miss. She quickly became a pop culture icon, parodied on shows like “Saturday Night Live” and even inspiring a video game.
Estimates of the Psychic Readers Network’s revenue vary, but some reports suggest it brought in as much as $1 billion at its peak. However, Miss Cleo’s share of that wealth was significantly smaller. She has claimed that she was paid only $24 cents per minute for her appearances on the hotline, which would amount to roughly $15 an hour.
The Fall from Grace
In 2002, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against Psychic Readers Network, accusing the company of deceptive advertising and unfair billing practices. The FTC alleged that the network’s “free” readings were actually expensive and that callers were often misled into staying on the line for longer than they intended.
The lawsuit ultimately led to the downfall of Psychic Readers Network and Miss Cleo’s infomercial empire. She settled with the FTC for $5 million, but her career as a psychic was effectively over.
Life After the Hotline
In the years since the Psychic Readers Network scandal, Miss Cleo, whose real name is Youree Dell Harris, has largely faded from the public eye. She has continued to work as a psychic and motivational speaker but on a much smaller scale. She has also written several books and appeared in a few documentaries about her life and career.
In recent years, Harris has also become an advocate for consumer protection and against psychic fraud. She has spoken out about the dangers of deceptive advertising and the importance of consumer education.
Miss Cleo’s Net Worth in 2024
Harris’s exact net worth is unknown, but it is estimated to be in the range of $1 million to $5 million. This is a far cry from the millions she was reportedly earning at the height of her fame, but it is a comfortable living.
Major Income Sources
Today, Harris’s income comes from a variety of sources, including:
- Psychic readings and consultations: She still offers psychic readings and consultations, both in person and over the phone.
- Speaking engagements: She gives motivational talks and speeches on a variety of topics, including consumer protection and psychic fraud.
- Book sales: She has written several books, including her autobiography, “Call Me Cleo.”
- Documentaries and appearances: She has appeared in a few documentaries about her life and career, and she occasionally makes appearances on television and radio shows.
A Complex Legacy
Miss Cleo’s legacy is complex. She was a pop culture icon who brought joy and entertainment to millions of people. But she was also the face of a deceptive industry that preyed on vulnerable people.
Today, Harris is using her platform to speak out against psychic fraud and to educate consumers about their rights. In doing so, she is helping to ensure that no one else gets taken advantage of the way she was.
Miss Cleo’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of deceptive advertising and the importance of consumer protection. But it is also a story of resilience and redemption. Harris has overcome the challenges of her past and is now using her voice to help others.
WRITTEN BY COLLINS
FAQs and answers
What Was Miss Cleo’s Net Worth at the Time of Her Death?
Estimates of Miss Cleo’s net worth at the time of her death vary. Some sources report it to be around $200,000
, while others suggest it could have been as high as $1.5 million
. The discrepancies in these figures may be due to differing assessments of her assets and earnings.
What Were the Major Sources of Miss Cleo’s Income?
Miss Cleo’s primary income sources included her role as a spokeswoman for the Psychic Readers Network, where she gained fame for her psychic readings. Additionally, she voiced the character Auntie Poulet in the 2002 video game “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City”
. She also appeared in various advertisements and offered private readings and spiritual services.
Did Legal Issues Impact Miss Cleo’s Earnings?
Yes, legal challenges significantly affected Miss Cleo’s financial standing. In 2002, the Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint against the Psychic Readers Network for deceptive advertising and billing practices. As part of the settlement, the network forgave approximately $500 million in outstanding customer charges and paid $5 million to the FTC
. While Miss Cleo herself wasn’t indicted, the controversies likely influenced her career and earnings.
How Did Miss Cleo Diversify Her Career Beyond Psychic Readings?
Beyond her psychic readings, Miss Cleo ventured into voice acting, notably voicing Auntie Poulet in “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City”
. She also appeared in advertisements for various products and offered private spiritual services, including readings and weddings.
What Was Miss Cleo’s Background Before Fame?
Before rising to fame as Miss Cleo, Youree Dell Harris co-founded a theater company in Seattle and performed in a show titled “Women Only – A Celebration of Love, Life, and Healing”
. This theatrical background contributed to her dynamic persona on television.
Are There Any Documentaries About Miss Cleo?
Yes, a documentary titled “Call Me Miss Cleo” was released on HBO Max, exploring her life and career
. Additionally, a Lifetime movie, “Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall,” premiered in August 2024, chronicling her journey and controversies
.
How Has Miss Cleo’s Legacy Influenced Popular Culture?
Her persona has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with references in various media and parodies. Her distinctive style and catchphrases have made her a memorable figure in the realm of television psychics.
