Oprah Winfrey has finally addressed the widespread online chatter surrounding her distinctive walk during Paris Fashion Week, putting an end to the speculation and criticism that followed her appearance alongside longtime friend Gayle King. The 72-year-old media icon, who has recently been in the spotlight for her remarkable weight loss and stylish presence at various runway events in Paris, unexpectedly became the subject of viral clips that captured her tentative steps on the red carpet.
The incident took place on March 4 at the prestigious Chloé fashion show held at the Tennis Club de Paris. While Oprah’s outfit was praised for its elegance and sophistication, it was her cautious and somewhat hesitant movement that caught the attention of viewers worldwide. Social media users were quick to comment, with some describing her walk as “disoriented” and “stiff,” while others speculated about possible lingering effects from a previous knee surgery. A few even made light-hearted remarks about the duo’s age, suggesting they appeared older than their actual years.
Rather than ignoring the criticism, Oprah chose to confront the situation head-on. She shared a video clip originally posted by user @jznotthatjayz on her Instagram Stories and took the opportunity to explain the circumstances behind her unusual walk during a break from filming. Her candid explanation shed light on the challenges she faced at that moment, clarifying the reasons behind the viral footage.
Addressing the audience with her characteristic warmth and humor, Oprah recounted how the criticism unfolded online. She said, “On the internet, somebody was – you know how people drag you on the internet, so they were dragging me and Gail, saying ‘Look at them walking like they’re 90 years old.’” She then described the scene at the Chloé show, revealing that her assistant had just handed her a pair of Chloe sunglasses as she stepped out of the car. “Now I wear glasses, or I wear contacts, so those were not prescription glasses,” she explained, highlighting that the sunglasses impaired her vision.
Because the glasses were non-prescription, Oprah admitted she couldn’t see clearly, which made navigating the red carpet difficult. “I didn’t know where I was walking, I could not see,” she said, prompting laughter from the audience. She added that she repeatedly told security, “I can’t see. I can’t see. Tell me, tell me where I’m walking. I can’t see.” Meanwhile, Gayle King was dealing with her own mobility issues, mentioning she had “two broken toes” and was struggling to walk. This combination of factors, Oprah concluded, was the real reason behind their slow and cautious movements, which some mistook for signs of frailty or age.
Oprah’s openness about the incident not only clarified the situation but also highlighted the pressures public figures face when every gesture is scrutinized online. Her lighthearted approach to the criticism turned what could have been an embarrassing moment into a relatable story about navigating unexpected challenges in the public eye. This episode serves as a reminder that behind every viral clip, there is often a simple explanation that deserves understanding rather than judgment.
