Gayle King said that long-standing rumors regarding a secret romantic relationship with Oprah Winfrey used to bother her [1].
King's comments address decades of public speculation about the nature of her bond with Winfrey. By clarifying her orientation and the status of their friendship, King seeks to dispel myths that have persisted throughout her career in the public eye.
Speaking on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, King discussed the emotional toll of the rumors [2]. She said the speculation "used to really bother me" [1]. Despite the persistence of the claims, King clarified that she is not in a romantic relationship with the media mogul.
King said that if she and Winfrey were gay, they would tell the public because there is nothing wrong with it [4]. However, she added that she prefers a man [4].
Beyond the speculation regarding Winfrey, King also spoke about her personal life and previous marriage. She said her husband cheated on her and that she is looking for a man who treats her right [3].
King's appearance on the podcast served as a platform to set the record straight on her private life while acknowledging the visibility of her friendship with Winfrey. She said that while the rumors were once a source of distress, she now views the speculation with more detachment.
“"Used to really bother me."”
This clarification highlights the enduring public fascination with high-profile female friendships and the tendency for the media to sexualize platonic bonds. By addressing the rumors directly on a popular podcast, King is attempting to reclaim her narrative and shift the focus from speculative gossip to her own stated preferences and personal history.
