The Oprah Winfrey Show Season 20 Episode 38 Exclusive: Bestselling Author Terry McMillan Confronts Her Gay Ex-Husband
- November 9, 2005
In this gripping episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, world-renowned bestselling author Terry McMillan takes a seat on the stage to confront her ex-husband, who recently came out as gay. The episode promises to be an emotional rollercoaster as Terry recounts her journey and the impact the revelation had on her life.
Terry became a household name with her critically acclaimed novel "Waiting to Exhale," which details the lives of four African-American women dealing with various life challenges. The bestseller was then adapted into a blockbuster movie and cemented Terry's place in literary history.
However, all was not well in Terry's personal life. Her marriage to Jonathan Plummer, her young Jamaican husband who was 20 years her junior, ended in a highly-publicized divorce after Jonathan revealed that he was gay. The revelation shocked Terry and her fans alike, who had followed their love story through her book "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," which is based on their romantic journey.
In this exclusive interview with Oprah, Terry delves deep into the child abuse she faced as a young girl, which led her to have trust issues in relationships. She narrates how she met Jonathan on her first trip to Jamaica and how he swept her off her feet with his charm and wit. She goes on to recount the professional and personal successes that followed, including their marriage and the adoption of their son, Solomon.
The mood shifts as Terry describes the challenges that arose in her relationship. She details instances of suspicion and deceit, which culminated in the revelation of her husband's sexuality. Terry explains the emotional turmoil that followed the split, including feelings of shock, anger, and betrayal.
The episode takes a poignant turn as Terry talks about the impact of Jonathan's coming out on her and her family. She shares how her son Solomon felt displaced and the difficulties she faced in explaining the situation to him. Terry also reflects on how the revelation affected her ability to trust and love again.
The audience hangs on to every word as Terry discusses the healing process that followed her divorce. She talks about the support she received from her family, friends, and fans. Terry shares how writing has been a cathartic experience for her and recites a poem she penned about love and loss.
The episode concludes with Terry's heartfelt message to others who may be going through similar experiences. She encourages anyone dealing with heartbreak and pain, be it from a divorce, betrayal, or otherwise, to seek help and support. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and loving oneself before anyone else.
Overall, Oprah's exclusive interview with Terry McMillan promises to be a poignant and emotional journey. The episode provides a rare insight into the personal life of a literary giant and tackles issues of love, loss, and healing with compassion and empathy. The episode is a testament to Oprah's ability to draw out the most intimate details of her guests' lives while providing a safe space for them to share their experiences.