Author Kitty Kelly has created a firestorm with her new unauthorized Oprah Winfrey biography.? Kelly drops a few little known facts about the billionaire talkshow host, which is causing her to be a buzzword around the net.
Kelley, who interviewed more than 800 people and spent four years researching the book, is bound to step on some toes by revealing some of Oprah’s unknown secrets.
In a revelation about Oprah’s dating habits, Kelly revealed that O hooked up with former Entertainment Tonight host, John Tesh, who she says bolted in the middle of the night amidst the pressures of interracial dating:
“He said one night he looked down and saw his white body next to her black body and couldn’t take it anymore,” another Tesh ex-paramour told Kelley. “He walked out in the middle of the night. … He told me he later felt very guilty about it.” (MORE)
Kitty gets a big boost today after Tesh himself reveals the “rumor” is true:
“Oprah and I were cub reporters in Nashville nearly 40 years ago and we dated for a short time. We even talked about it during one of my appearances on her show. We remain friends to this day.”
Wowzers. Now I really want to buy the book!
Kelly also reveals that Oprah has a Diva attitude, refers to herself in the 3rd person and doesn’t like to “walk” or “do stairs.”? From a brief excerpt of the book… the story goes:
About five years ago, she contacted Georgetown’s L’Enfant Gallery, known for high-end antiques, because she owned works by portraitist John Kirthian Court and wanted to see more. Gallery owner Peter Colasante bought three paintings ($60,000-$80,000 each) and had them shipped from Portugal to his shop for Oprah’s consideration. He received strict instructions for her short visit, along with a partial schedule: “2:17 p.m.: Oprah’s limousine arrives at L’Enfant Gallery, 2:20 p.m.: Oprah walks into gallery….”
On the appointed day and time, two limos pulled up and Oprah went into Deborah Gore Dean’s shop across Wisconsin Avenue. After waiting 30 minutes, Colasante walked over and found his famous client berating Dean. He told Oprah and her entourage (secretary, pilot, hairdresser, makeup man, guards) that he had other appointments scheduled and she needed to honor her timetable.
“Oprah does not walk,” she told him, referring to herself in the third person. “Who is this guy?” Then she started screaming at her staff, but finally agreed to cross the street and come through his front door.
“I just don’t feel it,” she told him. “The vibrations aren’t right.”
“You’ll feel them once you see the paintings we’ve assembled for you,” he said, pointing up the stairs where Court’s art was hanging.
“Oprah does not do stairs,” she said.
Things went rapidly downhill from there: Colasante’s partner hissed that maybe Oprah could use the exercise (unclear who heard), and she stormed out in a huff without buying anything.
Looks like all of Oprah’s skeletons may soon be revealed.? We all know she’s not perfect, for there are no perfect people but I’m sure there will be some juicy tidbits to take in.
I’ve also read that Kelly is having problems getting interviews and airtime about the book. I can see that. Afterall… if “O” says “No” who wants to dispute her?
Kitty Kelly’s “Oprah: The Biography” hits shelves tomorrow (April 13th). I love you Oprah… but I’m buying the book.