Gayle King, the 71‑year‑old co‑host of CBS Mornings, recounted on the Call Her Daddy podcast how she discovered her then‑husband William Bumpus cheating with a family friend in the early 1990s. After the interview aired, Bumpus posted a remorseful statement to TMZ, apologizing to King, their children and grandchildren.

William Bumpus' Public Apology to Gayle King and Family

In a statement released to TMZ, William Bumpus expressed “deep remorse” for the pain he caused during his marriage to Gayle King from 1982 to 1993.. He specifically named King, their daughter Kirby and her husband Virgil, their son William Jr. and his wife Elise, and the three grandchildren, acknowledging each person’s hurt. bumpus also referenced his earlier public admission of the affair in 2016, noting that King “has every right to share her story.” The apology emphasizes his desire to “leave it there,” signaling a finality that contrasts with the renewed media attention.

The Call Her Daddy Reveal: King Details 1990s Cheating Incident

During the episode with host Alex Cooper, King described returning home from Washington, D.C., with their two young children and finding Bumpus trying to block her entry.. He claimed a “worker” was inside, but King spotted a woman’s shoes and, upon searching, discovered the woman naked under a bathrobe behind a bathroom door. The woman, also married with two children, was a family friend, intensifying the betrayal.. King’s vivid retelling highlighted the shock of finding both her husband and the friend in a compromising position, a moment she said changed the trajectory of her marriage.

Family Reactions: Kirby , Virgil, and Grandchildren Mentioned

The apology notes that King’s daughter Kirby and son‑in‑law Virgil received a “warm birthday message” from King to Bumpus’s teenage daughter Poet, suggesting ongoing familial goodwill. Bumpus praised King’s co‑parenting from the start, saying her support helped him earn a Yale Law degree. He also highlighted the love and camaraderie that have “carried them through the years,” hinting that the family has maintained a functional relationship despite the decades‑old scandal.

Unresolved Questions: Why the Story Emerged Now?

While Bumpus’ statement acknowledges past mistakes, it does not explain why King chose to revisit the affair on a 2024 podcast. the timing raises questions about whether the disclosure is part of a broader narrative about women confronting past trauma, or simply a candid moment on a show known for its raw storytelling. additionally, the identity of the family friend remains undisclosed, leaving a gap in the public record that may never be filled.

According to the source report, Bumpus also reflected on the challenges of being married to a public figure, admitting he “did not fully appreciate King’s public life” and that his desire for privacy was “not a reflection on her talent and abilities.” He concluded by saying he continues to work on being “the best version of himself,” grounded by King’s friendship and the support of their grown children.

As the story circulates, the blend of personl confession and public apology offers a rare glimpse into how long‑standing family dynamics can resurface in the media spotlight.