Oprah Winfrey says she's not 'offended' by Gayle King's graphic description of her condition amid hospitalization rumors

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King are discussing a recent incident where King shared too much information about Winfrey's absence from CBS Mornings. 

During Tuesday's episode of the show, King revealed that her best friend couldn't appear to discuss the new pick for her book club because she was battling a stomach virus.

"She had some kind of stomach thing, stomach flu, stuff was coming out of both ends. I won't get too graphic," The CBS anchor, 69 claimed. "Needless to say, she ended up in the hospital, dehydration, had to get an IV, it was a very serious thing." 

Notably, Winfrey clarified that she was not offended by King’s actions, which were intended to explain Winfrey’s absence during the latest book club pick.

Gayle King shares FaceTime conversation with Oprah Winfrey

After King mentioned that her longtime friend "ended up in the hospital," many assumed that Winfrey, 70, had been hospitalized due to the virus.

This misunderstanding prompted King and Winfrey to clarify the situation, Toofab reported.

King shared a video on Instagram featuring a FaceTime conversation with Winfrey, explaining what happened.

King posted the video along with the caption saying, "A first for @cbsmornings, announcing @oprah’s latest book club pick #Familiaris without Oprah!. She was sidelined with a stomach virus that caused such dehydration that she went to the hospital to get an IV drip.”

She further added, “I thought I made that clear but next thing I know I’m surprised to see headlines that scream 'Oprah’s hospitalized!' (She was NOT!) And I'm bombarded with calls asking if Oprah is okay. The answer is yes! And now let’s go straight to the source." 

As shown in the clip, King, who was in her office, explained to Winfrey via FaceTime, "I never said you were hospitalized. I did say that you had a stomach something, it was coming out of both sides, which it was." 

To which, Winfrey replied, "I was in the emergency room. I was so..." King finished the statement, "Dehydrated." 

Winfrey continued, "I couldn't keep enough water down to get hydrated, so I went to the emergency room for that and that's just it." 

King mentioned to Winfrey that she seemed "still a little weak-ish," to which Winfrey admitted she wasn't 100 percent.

Winfrey explained, "Five people in my household had the same thing. I would say keep your hands washed because I hear it's being transmitted through... the doctor told me that [the virus] lives on the doorknobs and railings for like, 10 hours. So if you come across somebody who's been in the house and they've gone down the stairs, then you went down the stairs and you didn't wash your hands you end up with it." 

Gayle King questions Oprah Winfrey 

Meanwhile, King emphasized that she mentioned Winfrey's condition on CBS Mornings earlier that day to highlight how much you wanted to be there to promote the book because you never miss those.

Winfrey also pointed out that this was the first time she had ever missed a new book announcement.

King claimed, “The point I was trying to make, America, is that it had to be something that would keep her from getting on a plane and coming. That's the only point I was trying to make." 

King then asked Winfrey if she was "offended" that she discussed her health on-air, "I didn't really think that it was a big deal or that it would be something that would be upsetting to you, otherwise I never would have said it," 

Winfrey jokingly answered, "No, I thought what you were trying to do is explain why I wasn't there, and doing that in a definitive way. Everybody I've ever known that has access to my email has called me to say, 'Are you alright?' Thanks!" 

Internet praises Gayle King for supporting Oprah Winfrey during her illness

After watching the FaceTime conversation between King and Winfrey on Instagram, many internet users flocked to the comment section to share their thoughts. 

One said, "Sending healing prayers for Oprah. Love you Gayle because you always keep it real❤️😂." A second wrote, "I’m praying that Oprah feels better soon and this is a great example of how friends should hold each other down. 🙌."

A third added, "It was the “coming out both ends” statement that had me clutching my pearls. I’m glad she’s better because dehydration can lead to more problems if not treated." 

A fourth said, " I watched it in real time. I didn’t even notice what you said about Oprah other than she couldn’t be there. It was more about your EXCITEMENT about the book and the author. You did great Gayle. As usual ❤️ Feel better Oprah!!"

Another added, "@gayleking thank you for being honest and following up, you're a great friend ❤️ A speedy recovery to @oprah 🥰🥰."

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