Billie Jean King, a renowned American former tennis player, navigated a complex personal life alongside her celebrated career. Her journey included an early marriage, a groundbreaking public disclosure of a same-sex relationship, and ultimately, finding lasting partnership. These personal experiences, often unfolding in the public eye, shed light on the societal pressures and personal courage required of public figures, particularly women athletes,
during a transformative era.
The Early Years and Marriage to Larry King
Billie Jean Moffitt met Larry King in 1963 while both were attending Cal State. Their connection blossomed, leading to an engagement when she was 20 and he was 19. The couple married on September 17, 1965, in Long Beach. Billie Jean King has credited Larry with introducing her to feminism and encouraging her pursuit of a tennis career. She later reflected that she was deeply in love with him at the time of their marriage. Their union would endure for many years, even through significant personal challenges that would later emerge.
By 1968, King began to realize she was attracted to women. This personal discovery marked a significant turning point in her life, though it would be some time before it became publicly known. The internal conflict and the societal norms of the time likely presented immense pressure for King as she continued to excel in her professional life while grappling with her personal identity.
The Relationship with Marilyn Barnett and Public Disclosure
In 1971, Billie Jean King began an intimate relationship with her secretary, Marilyn Barnett, whose maiden name was Marilyn Kathryn McRae. Barnett had been living rent-free in the Kings' Malibu home. This relationship remained private for several years, but its eventual public exposure would have profound implications for King's life and career. The situation escalated in 1979 when the Kings asked Barnett to leave their home. Barnett, however, resisted and threatened to disclose information she had gathered over the years, including letters from Billie Jean to Marilyn, credit card receipts, and bills.
Following a suicide attempt that left Barnett paraplegic, Barnett sued the Kings. During the legal proceedings, Billie Jean King acknowledged her relationship with Barnett. This admission made Billie Jean King the first professional female athlete to publicly come out. At the time, she characterized the relationship as an affair and a mistake. The lawsuit had significant financial repercussions for King, as she reportedly lost about $2 million and had to extend her tennis career to cover legal fees. In December 1981, the court ordered Barnett to vacate the house and stated that the threats bordered on extortion. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in November 1982. A few months later, the house was destroyed by unusual storms.
Later Life and Marriage to Ilana Kloss
Also in 1971, King had an abortion, which became public knowledge when Larry King disclosed the information in a magazine article without consulting her. Despite the personal turmoil and the lawsuit, Billie Jean and Larry remained married throughout the legal proceedings. Their marriage eventually ended in 1987 when Billie Jean fell in love with her doubles partner, Ilana Kloss. Despite their divorce, Billie Jean and Larry maintained a friendship, with King even serving as a godmother to one of Larry's children from his second marriage.
On October 18, 2018, Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss were married in a secret ceremony officiated by New York City Mayor David Dinkins. The couple maintains residences in New York and Chicago. King is also a vegetarian and serves as an advisor to the First Women's Bank of Chicago. Her personal journey, marked by both triumphs and challenges, reflects a life lived with courage and a commitment to authenticity, even when faced with immense public scrutiny.
