Oprah Winfrey & Gayle King Address Lesbian Rumors: Deep Platonic Bond Challenges Norms

Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King — pictured above in December 2022 — addressed rumors about their sexuality during a podcast appearancePhoto byAFP via Getty Images

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Introduction

Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King have been friends for nearly 50 years, and their deep bond has often been the subject of speculation. Recently, during an appearance on Melinda French Gates’ podcast “Moments That Make Us,” the duo addressed longstanding rumors about their relationship.

Winfrey said she and King, who were pictured walking outside together earlier this month, dealt with the unfounded rumors “forever”Photo byGetty Images

Addressing the Rumors

• Winfrey on the Speculation:
  “You know, for years, people used to say we were gay, and listen, we were up against that forever,” Winfrey, 70, said. “And people still may think it.”
• King’s Reaction:
  King, 69, shared her frustration, “I used to say, ‘Oprah, you gotta do a show on this because it’s hard enough for me to get a date on Saturday night with people thinking we’re gay,’” adding, “Because if we were gay, we’d tell you!”

However, both women — pictured here in February — agreed that if they were gay, they would have just admitted to it.Photo byGetty Images for The Recording Academy

The Bond Between Oprah and Gayle

A Unique Friendship:
Winfrey believes the rumors persisted because many people are not accustomed to seeing women have such a strong, platonic bond. She called their relationship a “truth bond,” explaining, “The reason why I think our friendship has worked is because Gayle is happier, not happy, but happier for me for any kind of success or victory or challenge I get through than I am for myself.”

Winfrey said that King is like “the mother, sister [and] friend that [she] never had.”Photo byCBS

• King on Their Relationship:
  King echoed Winfrey’s sentiments, highlighting that without Winfrey’s support, she wouldn’t have achieved many milestones, including her career at CBS and attending the Met Gala.

King, pictured here with Winfrey in 2002, said the rumors made dating harder for her.Photo byWireImage

Previous Statements and Support

• Historical Context:
  This isn’t the first time the pair has addressed the speculation. In 2006, they discussed it in the August issue of Winfrey’s magazine, O. Winfrey said that King is like “the mother, sister [and] friend that [she] never had.”

Winfrey has been dating Stedman Graham, pictured above in 1988, for over 35 years.Photo byRon Galella Collection via Getty Images

• Winfrey’s Clarification:
  “I understand why people think we’re gay,” Winfrey stated. “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?”

The duo, seen here in 2004, have been friends for nearly 50 years.Photo byFilmMagic

Conclusion

Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King’s friendship challenges societal norms about female relationships, demonstrating that platonic bonds can be as deep and significant as romantic ones. As both women firmly stated, if they were gay, they would have no problem coming out. Their message is clear: strong female friendships deserve recognition and respect.

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