A Husband’s Compassion (Press, 9 May 1981)

Billie Jean King's husband, Larry King, revealed during an interview on ABC's 20-20 that he was aware of his wife's lesbian affair with Marilyn Barnett in the 1970s. He admitted that his absences contributed to the affair, stating, "I wasn’t willing to be there,” and he acknowledged feeling some jealousy regarding the relationship but believed it was important for Billie to find happiness with someone who could support her needs when he was not around. Barnett, aged 32 at the time, has filed a lawsuit seeking a share of Mrs King's earnings from the period they were together. Larry expressed a preference for Billie to be happy rather than alone, indicating he understood her relationship with Barnett. Billie Jean King, who is now 37, strongly refuted allegations that younger female tennis players were being seduced by older peers, insisting there was no evidence to support such claims. She defended women's tennis and golf, pointing out that young athletes are typically accompanied by parents, coaches, or chaperones. The couple was questioned about the possibility of being blackmailed, with Billie expressing that she had begun to sense such a feeling. Larry mentioned that they had financially supported Barnett over the last five or six years, but it seemed that it was never enough, implying that Barnett always sought more assistance. Despite the challenges and public scrutiny they faced, both Larry and Billie King expressed optimism that their marriage would endure this difficult period.

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