The Oprah connection: blessing, burden, and persistent skepticism
Gayle King’s close friendship with Oprah Winfrey has simultaneously elevated her career and invited scrutiny, creating a complex dynamic between professional opportunity and public perception.
King’s association with Winfrey began in 1976 when King was a production assistant at WJZ-TV in Baltimore and Winfrey was a news anchor at the same station. Their friendship deepened over decades, with Winfrey consistently offering King opportunities and support. This connection undeniably boosted King’s profile, particularly as Winfrey’s media empire expanded. However, it also led to accusations of nepotism and questions about whether King’s success was solely attributable to her talent or to her relationship with Winfrey. Critics frequently enough point to King’s roles at O, The Oprah Magazine and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network as examples of Winfrey’s influence.
In 2019, King addressed the perception of benefiting from Winfrey’s success during an interview with The New York Times, stating, “I get it. Peopel think I got everything because of Oprah. But I’ve worked hard, too.” Source: The New York Times. Despite these assertions, the narrative persists, influencing how the public views her accomplishments and journalistic independence.
Public perception and missteps
Gayle King has faced public criticism for several incidents that were perceived as insensitive or out of touch, frequently enough amplified by her high profile and association with Winfrey.
One notable example occurred in early 2025 when King briefly posted, then deleted, a video on social media complaining about a buisness class airplane seat she had purchased, which lacked a window despite being advertised as a “window” seat. While the airline was reportedly receiving similar complaints, the public reaction was largely negative. Many viewed the complaint as tone-deaf given rising living costs and widespread financial struggles. Social media users highlighted the contrast between King’s lament over a minor travel inconvenience and the difficulties faced by those struggling to afford basic necessities. The swift deletion of the post suggests King recognized the negative reception.
This incident echoes a broader pattern of public scrutiny surrounding King’s public persona. In February 2020, King faced backlash for a contentious interview with WNBA star Lisa Leslie regarding Kobe Bryant’s death, with many criticizing her line of questioning as insensitive. Source: NBC News. These instances demonstrate how quickly seemingly minor missteps can be amplified in the public sphere, particularly for figures with significant visibility.
