Media mogul Oprah Winfrey and her longtime friend Gayle King addressed rumors of a romantic relationship during an interview on Melinda French Gates’ “Moments That Make Us” series.
Winfrey, 70, who has been with her partner Stedman Graham for over 35 years, spoke about their close bond and the speculation surrounding their friendship.
Winfrey acknowledged the rumors, explaining that people may not be accustomed to seeing women with such a profound, non-romantic connection.
King, 69, humorously shared how she once asked Oprah to clarify their friendship to help her dating life, assuring viewers that they would be open about it if they were gay.
Winfrey attributed the speculation to the unique and genuine bond they share, highlighting their mutual happiness for each other’s successes.
She said that even a hint of jealousy can damage a friendship, which is absent in their relationship.
King added that she believes every woman should have at least one close friend like Oprah.
She also pointed out that while many people flatter Oprah, she isn’t afraid to be honest with her.
Their candidness about their friendship extends to public declarations, with Winfrey denying any romantic involvement with women in past interviews.
Winfrey described King as the mother she never had and the sister everyone would want, while King expressed frustration over ongoing doubts about their relationship, stressing it undermines the value of close, platonic bonds between women.
Both women have previously spoken out about the unfair implications of denying such rumors, asserting that there’s nothing wrong with being gay.
Their interview highlights their deep, platonic bond and the importance of having genuine, supportive friendships, challenging societal norms that often misconstrue such relationships.
