Story perspectives

Gayle King Rejects Oprah Romance Rumors, Prefers Men

5/28/2026

Summary

Gayle King Denies Rumors

Gayle King told Alex Cooper that rumors of a romance with Oprah Winfrey used to bother her.
The Enquirer linked the rumors to Gayle King's 1993 divorce from William Bumpus.
Gayle King asked Oprah Winfrey to deny the rumors publicly.
Oprah Winfrey said the speculation should be left alone.
Gayle King said she prefers men and would announce a same-sex relationship if it existed.

Summary

Gayle King Addresses Rumors

King asked Oprah Winfrey to discuss her divorce and rumored gay relationship on her show, receiving advice to ignore it.
She said the rumor makes Saturday-night dating especially hard.
She sometimes refutes the claims on record, while other times she declines comment.
She described her five-decade friendship with Oprah as based on honesty and respect, seeing herself in Oprah’s light.

Summary

King Refutes Rumors

King said social media acts as an “accelerator on hate” by amplifying hateful speculation.
King noted Oprah’s billionaire status never made her feel inferior, showing respect despite wealth disparity.
King reminded listeners that Oprah has been married to Stedman Graham since 1986, contrasting rumors.
King affirmed she does not see herself in Oprah’s shadow but views herself in Oprah’s light.

Summary

Oprah Addresses Rumors

Oprah Winfrey told King that society often struggles to label deep, platonic friendships between women.
Both Oprah Winfrey and King have said any same-sex relationship between them would be disclosed publicly.
A photo caption notes Key Glock performed at the Hollywood Palladium on June 29, 2025 and launched a record label to honor the late rapper Young Dolph.
The article juxtaposes King’s interview with this entertainment caption, creating a mixed-content editorial format.

History

Historical Context

By the early 1990s Oprah Winfrey’s syndicated talk program had become America’s top daytime show, drawing about 13.1 million viewers in the 1991-92 season and cementing the “Oprah Effect” on media culture. That dominance sparked intense tabloid scrutiny of her personal friendships, a pattern that resurfaces today as rumors about her close friendship circulate on social platforms.

1 of 5

Gayle King Denies Rumors

Gayle King told Alex Cooper that rumors of a romance with Oprah Winfrey used to bother her.
The Enquirer linked the rumors to Gayle King's 1993 divorce from William Bumpus.
Gayle King asked Oprah Winfrey to deny the rumors publicly.
Oprah Winfrey said the speculation should be left alone.
Gayle King said she prefers men and would announce a same-sex relationship if it existed.

1 / 5