Oprah says she experienced racism in Zurich, Swiss official apologizes

Oprah Winfrey may be one of the world's richest women, but she recently had a "Pretty Woman" moment when a Swiss store clerk refused to sell her an expensive handbag.

Winfrey told Entertainment Tonight that she'd experienced racism at the Trois Pommes boutique in Zurich, Switzerland, when a clerk assumed she wouldn't be able to afford a $38,000 purse. According to Winfrey, the clerk told her the handbag was "too expensive" for her.

Appalled that anyone in the country might have offended the billionaire media mogul -- whose stamp of approval can sell pretty much anything -- Switzerland Tourism issued an official statement.

"Switzerland Tourism is deeply sorry to learn about the experience Ms. Winfrey recently had in Switzerland, and we apologize that her feelings were hurt. We would like to assure Ms. Winfrey -- like any visitor to Switzerland -- that she is welcome with open arms."

While Trois Pommes called the incident a "misunderstanding," Winfrey said she was glad she didn't by the item.

"Turns out that store clerk did me a favor. Just found out that bag was $38K!!! She was right I was NOT going to buy it," she tweeted Friday.

"Other than the handbag diss. I had a GREAT time in Zurich," she added.