Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Oprah explains why partner Stedman Graham is on confinement in guest house

TV icon had pneumonia last year and a recent bronchial infection

Clémence Michallon
Tuesday 24 March 2020 14:45 EDT
Comments
Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham on 5 October 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham on 5 October 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paul R Giunta/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Oprah Winfrey has explained why her longtime partner Stedman Graham is on confinement in their guesthouse due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The TV icon joined O, The Oprah Magazine, for a recent Instagram Live session. Stedman did not make an appearance in the video, and his absence prompted Oprah to offer some clarification.

“He’s at the guesthouse, because you all know I had pneumonia late last year... I had just gotten off of antibiotics last week, because I had a bronchial infection,” she told the publication.

According to Oprah, Stedman was “late to the party” when it comes to social distancing.

“’I don’t see what everybody’s getting so upset about!’ That’s what Stedman was saying... and that’s why Stedman’s at the guest house!” she added.

Stedman has not tested positive for Covid-19, but Oprah was inclined to take extra precautions because her partner recently travelled.

“Stedman did not arrive from Chicago until Thursday, he had been speaking in St. Louis... he’d been on planes, so Stedman is like ‘What’s the procedure for coming home?’ The procedure is... you ain’t coming and sleeping in my bed!” she said.

“And literally, he goes, ‘I’m not?’ And I go, ‘Have you not been paying attention to the news? Social distancing does not mean you go and sleep in the same bed with the person!”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in