$20 Million Worth Billie Jean King Once Divulged How Her ‘Truth’ Destroyed Hard-Earned Money: ‘Lost It All in 24 Hours’
Follow Us
Billie Jean King has faced the toughest times on and off the tennis court. She was one of the few tennis players that contributed to the success of women’s tennis today. Even so, King continues to support and encourage women to play tennis and other sports.
However, she lost everything she had worked so hard for, including the money, at one point in her professional career. The former tennis player’s coming out as gay in 1981 caused a tremendous scandal. She had an alleged affair with her personal hairdresser and assistant for years, according to the complaint registered.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Billie Jean King opens up about her affair
After so many years, the 12-time grand slam champion opened up about her struggle, that she went through when her personal assistant filed a palimony case against the tennis legend for having a secret affair. The tennis legend was not able to hide it and wanted to open up to the public and let them know the reality, rather than create more problems. She said, “I’d grown up in a homophobic environment, so it was really something I was. This is the biggest struggle I’ve ever had in my life.”
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
‘Have Him F**King Walk Out with Rafa’- Andy Roddick Imagines Emotional Scenario That Brings Roger Federer Together with His Beloved Rival
April 24, 2024 12:02 PM EDT
‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence
February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST
Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance
April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
She further discussed with her PR team and lawyer about holding a press conference and letting over the reality. Even after the decline of this press meet, she stood and talked everything about her sexuality.
She recalled the time during the press conference and said, “I told the truth that this press conference, of course, you could have heard a pin drop because I said yes, I did have an affair with Marilyn Barnett. And I went you’d hear me go like that. The truth always sets you free. Eventually, I did lose all my money overnight in 24 hours every single endorsement, I had, I lost it all in 24 hours and it’s okay.”
‘Roots of People That I’ve Admired’ – Venus Williams Reveals the Impact of Billie Jean King on Her Tennis Career
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, at that time the 12-time grand slam champion was originally married to Larry, who was also a college tennis player. They met in college back in 1963 and were married in 1965. It was Larry’s idea to have a professional world tour for women other than the men’s one.
King’s earning back in the days
She was known for being the first woman to earn more than $100,000 in 1971. And after defeating Bobby Riggs in the famous ‘Battle of Sexes’, she started creating more money than a normal tennis player.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
watch this story – Venus Williams in awe of Serena Williams’ growing friendship with Gigi and Bella Hadid at the Vogue world runway show
The American player was earning good money with all the endorsements and matches money that she uses to receive. However, the identity revelation idea cost her a lot of millions but turned out to be her charm.
Edited by:
Pritam Priyedarshi