Andy Cohen, host of "Watch What Happens Live," expressed regret over a provocative question he asked media mogul Oprah Winfrey during a 2013 episode. Cohen now considers the inquiry inappropriate, reflecting the show's unfiltered style and prompting ongoing personal reflection.
During the celebration of the 15th anniversary of his show, Cohen revisited the controversial moment that sparked discussions about privacy and decorum in media interviews, Page Six reported.
In 2013, Cohen asked Winfrey on his show if she had ever "taken a dip in the lady pond," a colloquial term for asking about same-sex relationships. This moment aimed to evoke the comedic and spontaneous nature of live interviews, prompting Winfrey to respond with a straightforward "No, no, I have not. Thank you," showcasing her composure despite the unexpected question.
Gayle King later revealed that Oprah initially didn't understand what "lady pond" referred to, possibly contributing to her composed denial. Despite this, the episode remains a standout moment for Cohen, who considers it his favorite due to Oprah’s participation. Her presence elevated the episode, marking a significant milestone in the show's history.
Reflecting on the incident, Cohen acknowledged Winfrey's importance on his show and expressed deep gratitude. He remarked, "It meant so much to me that Oprah Winfrey did the show. It’s gone brilliantly and I turn around and ask her if she’s ever had sex with a woman. I mean, couldn’t I leave it alone?" This comment highlighted his ambivalence about balancing sensational journalism and respectful dialogue.
Fast forward to the present, Andy Cohen uses this experience as a lesson in balancing humor and respect in celebrity interviews. He explained, “The secret to the success of ‘Watch What Happens Live’ is spontaneity, authenticity, fun, humor, me going there, and people never knowing what’s gonna happen.” Despite this ethos, he acknowledges that moments like the one with Oprah may have crossed the line of personal privacy.
Apart from live entertainment, Cohen has faced repercussions for other spontaneous moments on his show. He recalled an incident where actress Patti LuPone made remarks about Madonna that led to criticisms directed at Cohen himself, with Madonna labeling him a “troublemaking queen” during her tour. Cohen clarified that it was LuPone's comments, not his own, that sparked controversy.
Looking ahead, Cohen is focused on the next stages of his career and life. “The next chapter of my life is all about the kids, the talk show, and keeping the ‘Real Housewives’ as fresh as we can,” he shared, suggesting a shift towards a more thoughtful approach in his professional endeavors while continuing to entertain and engage audiences.
Andy Cohen's journey from asking daring questions to reflecting on their impacts illustrates the growth and ongoing evolution of talk shows in responding to societal expectations on privacy and decorum.
