Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King have opened up about their 50-year friendship in a candid interview with Melinda French Gates’ “Moments That Make Us” series, which aired on July 24. During the episode, the duo addressed long-standing rumors about their relationship, clarifying the nature of their deep bond.
Winfrey and King met in the early 1970s while working at Baltimore’s WJZ-TV. A snowstorm led Winfrey to invite King to stay at her home, marking the beginning of their enduring friendship. Despite their close connection, Winfrey and King have faced persistent speculation about the nature of their relationship.
“For years, people assumed we were a couple, and that perception lingered for a long time. It’s even been a challenge in my dating life, as some people believe there’s something more between us,” Winfrey shared, according to PEOPLE. King echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration over the inability of some to accept the depth of their platonic connection. “If we were gay, we’d tell you! It’s just frustrating that people can’t accept the depth of our platonic connection,” she said.
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The interview highlighted how their friendship has been a source of unwavering support, with King standing by Winfrey’s side through both professional triumphs and personal challenges. “I always assumed every woman had a friend like Oprah. Maybe that’s not true for men, but I thought every woman had at least one person like this in her life,” King remarked, emphasizing the organic nature of their relationship compared to others who might seek superficial connections with the media mogul.
King also noted the challenges that come with Winfrey’s fame, particularly how people tend to be “overly flattering” towards her. She stressed the importance of honesty in their relationship, including candid feedback on how Winfrey presents herself.
Through their conversation, Winfrey and King underscored the significance of their friendship and the impact it has had on their lives. Their candid discussion serves as a testament to the power of true friendship and the importance of genuine connections in a world where superficial relationships often prevail.
