In a recent episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, renowned journalist Gayle King shared the painful story of how she discovered her ex-husband, William Bumpus, being unfaithful to her. Bumpus, who was married to King for 11 years from 1982 to 1993, has since issued a heartfelt apology for the distress he caused during their time together.
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Bumpus conveyed his remorse in a statement to various media outlets, including TMZ and Page Six, following King’s candid recollection of events during the podcast aired on 27 May. In his message, he expressed his deepest regrets to Gayle, their daughter Kirby and son William, along with his grandchildren, for the heartache stemming from his past actions. “Those actions were mine. I have long owned them — including publicly in my own words in 2016, which still stand,” he stated.
During the podcast, King, 71, narrated the unsettling incident from their marriage when she returned home unexpectedly to find Bumpus with a friend of hers. Recalling the moment, she described how he rushed out of their room, attempting to cover up the situation by insisting she could not enter. “What do you mean I can’t come in? What are you talking about?” she remembered asking. Ultimately, she discovered one of her friends hiding behind a door, leading to a traumatic revelation.
King highlighted her desire to shield their children from the turmoil of the situation at the time, stating, “I kept thinking, I don’t want it to be a scene because they’re little. They know this person.” Despite this distressing incident, she and Bumpus tried to mend their relationship. However, as time passed, she realised that she was losing sight of her identity, prompting her to end the marriage for good in 1993.
In his apology, Bumpus acknowledged that he made mistakes and attributed some of his shortcomings to not fully understanding the public nature of King’s career. Describing himself as a private individual, he admitted this aspect was challenging for him during their marriage, even as he expressed pride in her achievements. “I am proud to have had a front-row seat to Gayle’s remarkable success,” he remarked, showing admiration for his ex-wife’s professional journey.
Bumpus touched on their enduring relationship, noting that despite their past, they both chose to co-parent effectively for their children’s sake. He commended King for her supportive role in his life, especially during his pursuit of a Yale Law degree. He also mentioned how their shared commitment to family remains a testament to the bond they forged throughout the years.
As the relationship continues to evolve, Bumpus shared that he remains “endlessly grateful” to King for their children and the journey they have taken together. He emphasised their ongoing friendship, which has grown stronger over the decades. Recent gestures, such as King’s warm wishes on the birthday of his teenage daughter, demonstrate that there is goodwill between them, further solidifying their amicable co-parenting relationship.
Reflecting on the past during her podcast appearance, King expressed her complex feelings regarding the fallout from the affair, reiterating that it had been a pivotal moment in their lives. “I didn’t like who I was. Who wants to live like that? I didn’t want to be that person,” she remarked, illustrating the personal growth she underwent as a result of her experiences.
Back in 2016, Bumpus had publicly referred to King as a “great wife” after she first spoke about his infidelity, indicating that he had spent many years striving to improve himself as both a man and a father. His ongoing journey towards self-betterment is evidently a priority as he navigates familial relationships today.
As both King and Bumpus continue to move forward, it is clear that they have forged a respectful understanding of each other. While reflecting on a complicated past, they have managed to build a cooperative and supportive framework for their family, demonstrating that reconciliation is often possible, even in the wake of deep betrayal. Their story highlights the complexities of human relationships and the resilience required to adapt and thrive in the long run.