Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King denied long-standing rumors that they were secretly dating.
July 26, 2024, published at 5:19 PM ET
Oprah Winfrey And Gayle King addressed rumors that they were secretly dating, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
The longtime best friends denied the ongoing speculation, saying, “If we were gay, we’d tell you.”
Article continues below advertisement
Oprah met King when they were in their early twenties and both worked at a news station in Baltimore.
Oprah, 70, and King, 69, met nearly 50 years ago when they both worked at Baltimore’s WJZ news station. At the time, 22-year-old news anchor Oprah offered 21-year-old production assistant King a place to stay during a snowstorm – and the rest is history.
The close friendship between the two women is well documented – sparking rumors that they were secret lovers.
Article continues below advertisement
Oprah was in love with her best friend during a double interview with King and Melinda Gates.
Article continues below advertisement
During a recent interview for Melinda Gates’ Moments that make us series, Oprah spoke about the fierce bond she has shared with King since that snowstorm.
Oprah said, “We’ve talked about everything and nothing every night since.”
Article continues below advertisement
King joined Oprah for the interview and together they talked about what their friendship has meant to them over the years, as well as rumors that the two were closeted lesbians.
Oprah said, “Gayle is the mother, sister and friend I never had.”
The media mogul recalled that her best friend was the “only person” who believed in her early in her career.
Article continues below advertisement
Oprah denied the rumors and commented on the continued support King has given her over the years.
Article continues below advertisement
When Gates asked the pair how they’ve handled the most diverse details of their friendship with the world, Oprah replied, “I think we’ve shared pretty much everything.” And I would have to say it wasn’t even a matter of navigation. “
Oprah added: “You know, people have been saying that for years we were gay. And listen, we’ve always had to deal with that, and maybe people still think that.”
MORE:
Oprah Winfrey
Article continues below advertisement
King said, “And I always told her, ‘You need to do a show about this because it’s hard enough for me to get a date on Saturday night.’ [without] people who think we’re gay!’”
The former CNN anchor added, “Because if we were gay, we’d tell you!”
Article continues below advertisement
King revealed that she encouraged Oprah to discuss topics to push back on gay rumors about their friendship.
Article continues below advertisement
Oprah suggested that claims about best friends secretly dating could be attributed to people who aren’t “used to seeing women with this kind of truth bond.”
The former talk show host added: “This means the reason I think our friendship has worked is because Gayle is happier, not happy, happier for me, for whatever reason. success or victory than I am to myself.”
“I feel as happy as she does; I couldn’t be happier than her; I’m just as happy for her.”
Article continues below advertisement
Never miss a story – sign up for the RadarOnline.com Newsletter to get your daily dose of drugs. Daily. Break. Celebrity News. All free.
Article continues below advertisement
Her best friend agreed, joking that no one “outdoes” her.
Oprah went on to emphasize that the bond has lasted so long because “you can’t be friends with someone who has.” a touch of jealousy about everything you do.”