Gayle King has revisited one of the most painful moments of her past marriage, bringing renewed attention to her divorce from former husband William Bumpus. In a recent appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, the veteran journalist described returning home after a canceled flight and sensing immediately that something was wrong. According to King, the scene that unfolded inside the house led her to discover that Bumpus had been unfaithful, and that the person involved was someone she knew personally. She said the moment was overwhelming and that her main concern was protecting her young children from witnessing the situation as it happened.
King’s account quickly circulated online, prompting Bumpus to respond publicly. In a statement shared with media outlets, he apologized directly to King, their daughter Kirby, their son William, and their extended family, saying he was deeply sorry for the pain caused decades ago. He acknowledged that he had already taken responsibility for his mistakes in the past, including through a public apology in 2016, and said King had every right to tell her story. Bumpus also thanked her for supporting him while he attended law school and noted that, despite their separation, they remained committed to co-parenting their children.
King later told TMZ that she and Bumpus have long since moved beyond the hurt caused by the affair. She said that nearly four decades have given both of them time to heal and gain perspective, and that they are now in a “really great place.” Her comments suggested that the painful chapter in their marriage no longer carries the same emotional weight it once did, even as the story drew fresh public interest following her podcast interview.
During the podcast, King recalled the emotional shock of arriving home and being told she could not enter the room. She said Bumpus emerged with only a towel on, repeatedly blocking her from going inside, until she was informed that “someone’s here.” King said she then found one of her friends hiding in the home, which confirmed her worst fears. Rather than allow the moment to become a public spectacle, she said she quickly sent her children away with their nanny to spare them from the immediate fallout.
The resurfacing of the story has placed King’s former marriage back in the spotlight, but both she and Bumpus appear to be framing the incident as a painful part of the past. King has been open about the emotional impact of the betrayal, while Bumpus’ response emphasized remorse, accountability, and the family’s long-term healing.
