Oprah explains why partner Stedman Graham is on confinement in guest house

TV icon had pneumonia last year and a recent bronchial infection

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham on 5 October 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paul R Giunta/Getty Images)

Oprah Winfrey has explained why her longtime partner Stedman Graham is on confinement in their guesthouse due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The TV icon joined O, The Oprah Magazine, for a recent Instagram Live session. Stedman did not make an appearance in the video, and his absence prompted Oprah to offer some clarification.

“He’s at the guesthouse, because you all know I had pneumonia late last year... I had just gotten off of antibiotics last week, because I had a bronchial infection,” she told the publication.

According to Oprah, Stedman was “late to the party” when it comes to social distancing.

“’I don’t see what everybody’s getting so upset about!’ That’s what Stedman was saying... and that’s why Stedman’s at the guest house!” she added.

Stedman has not tested positive for Covid-19, but Oprah was inclined to take extra precautions because her partner recently travelled.

“Stedman did not arrive from Chicago until Thursday, he had been speaking in St. Louis... he’d been on planes, so Stedman is like ‘What’s the procedure for coming home?’ The procedure is... you ain’t coming and sleeping in my bed!” she said.

“And literally, he goes, ‘I’m not?’ And I go, ‘Have you not been paying attention to the news? Social distancing does not mean you go and sleep in the same bed with the person!”