Oprah Winfrey turned social media trolls into teachable moments with her humor and grace. The media icon fronted the online ads for her walking style during Paris Fashion Week alongside her best friend, Gayle King. At the age of 72, Oprah Winfrey seized the moment without missing a beat.
The viral ride sparks chatter
Videos from the Chloé show on March 4, 2026 showed Oprah and Gayle, 71, moving slowly down the red carpet. Social media users have mocked them, saying they’ve been walking around “like they’re 90 years old”. The clip quickly went viral, sparking concern and criticism amid Oprah’s latest weight loss journey. Oprah looked chic in a peach blazer, loose pants, a white shirt, a brown bag and rimless sunglasses as she arrived at the Tennis Club in Paris. Gayle matched her vibe with stylish outfits, but their cautious steps sparked controversy online.
Oprah Winfrey sets the record straight
On March 12, 2026, during a taping of The Oprah Podcast, she laughed off the comments in an Instagram clip. “You know how people criticize you online? They were making comments about Gayle and me. They were saying, ‘You look like you’re 90 years old,'” Oprah quoted. He explained that his slow pace stemmed from over-the-counter sunglasses that ruined his vision. “I usually wear glasses or contacts. They weren’t prescription sunglasses, so I wasn’t sure of my surroundings. I couldn’t see,” he said, adding: “So for everybody, ‘They’re walking like 90,’ I really couldn’t see.” Gayle faced his challenge with two broken toes from a recent injury. “Gayle said, ‘I’ve broken two toes; I can’t walk!'” Oprah said, smiling. “The reason we looked like we were 90 is because I couldn’t see and Gayle was doing it with two broken toes. So that should clear things up.”Oprah summed it up playfully: “I couldn’t see, but I looked beautiful.” He took it sportingly. Embracing fashion options Paris Fashion Week marked a stylish getaway for the couple, complete with front-row seats to Chloé, Stella McCartney and Chanel. Oprah celebrated the trip on Instagram on March 10: “The fashion. The friendship. The food. And the joy of being comfortable in my own skin. Thank you, Paris, for an amazing week.“Fans praised her comfort, many noting her youthful glow and confidence. Oprah’s openness continues to inspire, turning a viral mishap into a reminder to laugh at life’s stumbles.
