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Andy Cohen recently touched upon an unusual question he once asked Oprah Winfrey during a 2013 interview, where he inquired about her sexual preferences—a question that took the famous talk show host by surprise.
Reflecting on the moment, Cohen confessed on Entertainment Tonight that he later regretted asking such a personal question. “That’s probably one of my few regrets,” he told ET about his choice to delve into Winfrey’s private life.
“That’s probably one of my few regrets,” he told ET of his choice to ask Winfrey the personal. “It meant so much to me that Oprah Winfrey did the show,” Cohen told ET. “It’s gone brilliantly and I turn around and ask her if she’s ever had s*x with a woman. I mean, couldn’t I leave it alone?”
“Gayle King told me later that week that Oprah didn’t know what I meant by ‘the lady pond,’ ” he said. “I thought I explained it pretty well there, but listen, I was so grateful that Oprah did the show and I still am.
Cohen, known for his candid and often provocative interview style on “Watch What Happens Live,” admitted that the question was out of line. Despite this, he still holds the episode in high regard. “That remains, I think, my favorite episode [of WWHL],” he said.
The episode with Winfrey stands out in Cohen’s career for its unexpected turn and the way it pushed the boundaries of celebrity interviews. However, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting personal boundaries, even in the quest for compelling television moments.
Cohen’s admission of regret highlights his growth as an interviewer and his recognition of the impact such questions can have on his guests. His reflection on the interview with Winfrey underscores the balance between creating engaging content and maintaining a respectful and professional approach.
As Cohen continues to navigate his role in the media industry, his experience with Winfrey remains a notable lesson in the complexities of celebrity interviews and the ethical considerations that come with them. This moment of introspection shows a different side of Cohen, one that is aware of the fine line between curiosity and intrusion.
