For years, Gayle King, the well-known journalist and close friend of Oprah Winfrey, has faced persistent rumors about her sexual orientation. These speculations have mainly stemmed from her incredibly close relationship with Oprah. Recently, Gayle decided to address these rumors directly, offering her thoughts and perspective.
Addressing the Rumors
In an interview with USA Today, Gayle King spoke openly about the longstanding rumors suggesting she is in a romantic relationship with Oprah Winfrey. She recounted watching Oprah’s emotional interview with Barbara Walters from Tasmania, feeling deeply touched by Oprah’s candidness. Gayle shared how she called Oprah afterward, expressing how moved she was by the interview.
When it came to the lesbian rumors, Gayle admitted that they used to bother her. Over time, however, her perspective has shifted. She explained, “If people believe it, there’s nothing we can do to change their minds.” What bothers her more is the implication that there would be something wrong if they were lesbians. She firmly stated, “There’s nothing wrong.”
The Alleged On-Air Revelation
The rumors gained new life when TMZ reported that Gayle appeared to say “I’m gay” during a playful exchange on CBS This Morning. In a lighthearted conversation with her co-anchor Charlie Rose about choosing partners, Gayle jokingly said, “I’m just kidding. I’m, I’m gay.”
However, sources from CBS clarified that Gayle did not intentionally make this statement. They explained that she was stuttering while joking, and her words were taken out of context.
A Friendship Under Scrutiny
Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey’s friendship has always been extremely close, leading to constant speculation about their relationship. Both have consistently denied any romantic involvement. In a 2010 interview with Barbara Walters, Oprah clearly stated, “I am not lesbian. I am not even kind of lesbian.”
Oprah has been in a long-term relationship with Stedman Graham for nearly three decades, while Gayle was previously married to Bill Bumpus, with whom she has two adult children. Despite their professional and personal lives being deeply intertwined, Gayle and Oprah maintain that their bond is purely platonic.
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Conclusion
Through her recent statements, Gayle King hopes to finally put these rumors to rest. She has shared her feelings about the ongoing speculation and its impact on her over the years. Ultimately, Gayle’s message is one of acceptance and transparency. She asserts that there is no shame or scandal in her relationship with Oprah Winfrey, regardless of what people choose to believe.