Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King address longstanding lesbian rumors: ‘If we were gay we would tell you!’. Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King celebrating the Power of platonic Friendship. On Melinda French Gates’ “Moments That Make Us” podcast, Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King candidly discussed their enduring friendship and the longstanding rumors surrounding their relationship. The TV icons addressed speculation that their close bond was more than just platonic. Oprah, 70, remarked,
“For years, people speculated that we were gay, and that has been a persistent rumor. Some might still think it.”
Gayle, 69, shared her frustration about the misconceptions, recalling how she urged Oprah to address the topic on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” to clear the air. “I used to say, ‘Oprah, you need to do a show on this because it’s tough enough finding a date when people think we’re gay.’ But if we were, we would tell you!”
Their friendship, spanning nearly 50 years, began when they both worked at WJZ-TV in Baltimore. Oprah offered Gayle a place to stay during a snowstorm, and their connection deepened overnight. Oprah believes the rumors about their relationship stem from society’s unfamiliarity with such deep female friendships. She described their bond as a “truth bond,” highlighting how they genuinely celebrate each other’s successes and challenges.
“The reason our friendship has endured is that Gayle is happier for my achievements than I am for myself,” Oprah explained. “And I feel the same joy for her. You can’t out-happy her, and I am equally as happy for her.” This mutual joy and support have been the foundation of their friendship, distinguishing it from other relationships Oprah has had, which were sometimes marred by jealousy or competition.
During the podcast, Oprah and Gayle reflected on how their lives would have been different without each other. Gayle admitted, “I wouldn’t be at CBS, I wouldn’t have attended the Met Gala… there are so many things I wouldn’t have done without Oprah.” She also acknowledged that her 1993 divorce from William Bumpus significantly impacted her career, with Oprah’s support being a crucial element.
Oprah, who has been with her partner Stedman Graham for over 35 years, expressed how Gayle filled a significant void in her life.
“Gayle is the mother, sister, and friend I never had,”
she said, emphasizing the unique and irreplaceable nature of their friendship.
Both women agree that friendships like theirs are rare, which is why rumors about their sexuality have persisted. This isn’t the first time they’ve addressed the speculation. In a 2006 issue of Winfrey’s magazine, O, they openly discussed the rumors. “I understand why people think we’re gay,” Oprah said. “There isn’t a definition in our culture for this kind of bond between women. So I get why people have to label it – how can you be this close without it being sexual? How else can you explain a level of intimacy where someone always loves you, respects you, and admires you?”
Even then, both Oprah and Gayle asserted that they would have no problem coming out if they were indeed in a romantic relationship, underscoring that there is nothing wrong with being gay. Their message is clear: friendships, especially those as profound as theirs, are invaluable and can be just as significant as romantic relationships.
In a world that often prioritizes romantic connections, Oprah and Gayle’s friendship stands as a testament to the profound impact that platonic relationships can have. Their story encourages us to cherish and celebrate the deep bonds of friendship in our own lives.
