Decades after their marriage ended, William Bumpus Sr., the ex-husband of CBS News anchor Gayle King, has issued a public apology for his past infidelity. The apology comes shortly after King shared a deeply personal and painful story about his affair with her close friend on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast.
A Heartfelt Apology Decades Later
In a statement to TMZ on May 27th, Bumpus expressed his deepest regrets for the pain he caused. He specifically apologized to Gayle, their children Kirby and William, their spouses, and their three grandchildren for actions that occurred nearly forty years ago. He acknowledged that these actions were his own and that he has long taken responsibility for them, even publicly in 2016.
Bumpus stated, “Gayle has every right to share what was a painful chapter that changed the trajectory of our marriage and our family nearly forty years ago. I respect her right to tell her story, and that’s where I’ll leave it.” He also expressed enduring gratitude for Gayle’s support throughout their relationship, particularly in encouraging him to pursue his Yale Law degree and for their successful co-parenting efforts.
Gayle King Recounts the Devastating Discovery
On the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast, Gayle King recounted the heartbreaking moment she discovered Bumpus’s affair. An unexpectedly canceled business trip led her to return home early, only to find her close friend in her bedroom, wearing one of her towels. Bumpus had apparently rushed out moments before, warning King that someone was there.
King described her shock and devastation, recalling her confrontation with the friend and her subsequent conversation with Bumpus. Despite his pleas not to involve the friend’s husband, King insisted on confronting the situation, noting the irony of Bumpus claiming they had a ‘good marriage’ while the evidence suggested otherwise. King and Bumpus divorced in 1993, though they briefly reconciled before she realized he hadn’t changed.
Maintaining a Cordial Relationship
Despite the painful history, Bumpus indicated that he and King have remained cordial over the years. He mentioned that King recently sent warm wishes for his teenage daughter’s birthday, which was meaningful to both of them. He also reflected on his past struggle with appreciating King’s public life, preferring privacy, but expressed pride in her success and remains a genuine admirer.
Bumpus concluded by stating his focus remains on being the best version of himself, supported by his family and the privilege of raising his daughter as a single dad. His apology acknowledges the past while emphasizing his current commitment to his family and personal growth.
Do you believe William Bumpus Sr.’s apology is sincere? How do you think people should handle infidelity in long-term relationships? Share your thoughts in the comments below!