Rosie Speaks on Oprah Lesbian Rumors

Rosie O'Donnell spoke about the speculation surrounding Oprah Winfrey and best friend Gayle King, saying that she believed Winfrey's recent statement to Barbara Walters that she is not a lesbian.

According to ABC News, O'Donnell spoke at the Jingle Ball concert in New York City on Friday. She suggested that the rumors about Winfrey and King stem from a lack of understanding about the nature of close female relationships.

"People don't really understand or don't have the privilege of seeing a friendship between two women that is that deep," said O'Donnell. "I have the same best friend that I've had since I was 3. I know the intensity of that relationship and what it feels like -- to have someone you can depend on no matter what. So, I get it. And I don't think she was defending it as much as just answering all the speculation. She didn't seem defensive to me. If anything, it's just insulting to her integrity that people would consider that she was lying."

In an interview that aired on ABC last week, Winfrey responded to a question from Walters about the "dumb rumors" by saying, "I'm not even kind of lesbian."

O'Donnell will premiere a new talk show on the Oprah Winfrey Network next month.