Gayle King has addressed long-standing rumours surrounding her decades-long friendship with media mogul Oprah Winfrey, saying the speculation about their relationship once deeply affected her emotionally.
Speaking on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast with host Alexandra Cooper, King reflected on years of public scrutiny and false claims suggesting that she and Winfrey were secretly in a romantic relationship.
King said the rumours became particularly painful following her 1993 divorce from attorney William G. Bumpus, when tabloids falsely suggested that her close friendship with Winfrey had contributed to the end of her marriage.
She admitted that the headlines were difficult to deal with at the time, especially as the speculation spread widely in the media. However, she stressed that the claims were untrue.
King also revealed that she once asked Winfrey to publicly address the rumours on her talk show, saying the constant speculation was affecting her personal life and dating prospects. According to King, Winfrey chose not to respond publicly and preferred to ignore the gossip.
While acknowledging that there would be nothing wrong with being in a same-sex relationship, King made it clear that the rumours about her and Winfrey were not true, adding that she simply prefers relationships with men.
Over time, King said she has developed a thicker skin and is now less affected by online commentary and public speculation. She described social media as an “accelerator of hate” but said she has learned not to let it disturb her peace.
King and Winfrey’s friendship spans decades, dating back to the 1970s when they first met as young journalists. Their close bond has often attracted public attention due to their long-standing loyalty and visible support for one another.
Winfrey has also previously spoken about their relationship, noting that their friendship works because of the genuine support they show each other through both personal and professional milestones.
Despite years of rumours, both women continue to maintain one of the most well-known friendships in entertainment.
