Gayle King on Infidelity: ‘I Thought You Were My Friend’

William Bumpus and Gayle King were married for 11 years before their marriage ended in divorce in 1993 amid allegations of infidelity. Although King had traditionally kept her personal life private, she opened up about her past during a 2019 episode of The OG Chronicles with Oprah Winfrey. Reflecting on the impact of betrayal, Winfrey remarked, “I think you may be scarred,” referencing King’s wariness in forming new friendships, as reported by the Daily Mail.

She added, “Remember you had that friend who slept with your husband, and when you found her, you said, ‘I thought you were my friend!'” King then revealed that her so-called ‘friend’ had shown no remorse, bluntly stating, “She said, ‘I never liked you.'” King revisited this painful memory while discussing a viewer’s question about infidelity, according to another Daily Mail report. During the discussion, King and Winfrey were asked what advice they would give if they saw a friend’s husband out with another woman.

King was unequivocal in her stance on confrontation, stating, “I would say something to him.” Winfrey probed further, asking, “Would you?” to which King firmly replied, “Yes, I would. I would go to him and I would say, ‘Look, I am going to give you 24 hours, and if you don’t tell her, I’m going to.’ But I would go and say something to him first.”

In a 2016 Vanity Fair interview, King candidly addressed her ex-husband’s betrayal when asked on the Proust Questionnaire, “Which living person do you most despise?” She responded, “‘Despise’ is a strong word. I’m not a huge fan of the woman I caught naked with my now ex-husband on June 24, 1990, at 9:16 pm — but I don’t remember the details.” This revelation prompted Bumpus to issue a public apology through Page Six, saying, “I have been haunted by this life-altering choice.

Though I have dealt with this privately…I publicly apologize for the major transgression that dramatically changed all of our lives.” Bumpus also expressed admiration for King, praising her grace and dedication to their children. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for Gayle and how she handled herself with grace. Despite the situation, she kept our children, as well as my relationship and involvement with them, as a clear priority.

Gayle was a great wife, an excellent mother, and a fantastic co-parent,” he stated. “I am eternally grateful for all that she has done and continues to do to enrich my life and the lives of our incredible adult children.” When pressed about the identity of the woman involved in the affair, Bumpus cryptically replied, “She knows her name!”

King has spoken openly about her past, including during a 2006 interview on XM Satellite Radio, reported by CBS News. She reflected on her marriage and subsequent divorce, saying, “I was married to a cheater…I went to marital counseling. I have been divorced since 1993, so I’m all healed and everything. I have worked it out. I’m not bitter. I’m okay. I’m really okay.” Despite the tumultuous end of their marriage, King and Bumpus continue to co-parent their two children, son William Jr., and daughter Kirby.