Major Controversies Surrounding Billie Jean King: A Detailed Timeline
Public opinion and media debates around Billie Jean King—discover key moments of controversy.
Billie Jean King, a former world No. 1 American tennis player, is considered among the greatest of all time. She secured 39 Grand Slam titles across singles (12), women's doubles (16), and mixed doubles (11). King also contributed to the United States' victories in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is known for her advocacy of gender equality in sports and society.
September 1970: Pacific Southwest Open and Women's Rights Advocacy
In September 1970, during the Pacific Southwest Open where the prize money for men was significantly higher than for women, Billie Jean King and other women chose not to play to advocate for equal pay. King and the other women organized the women-only Houston Virginia Slims invitational and this helped launch the series of women-only tournaments.
1971: Affair with Marilyn Barnett
In 1971, Billie Jean King began an affair with her secretary, Marilyn Barnett.
1971: Abortion Made Public
In 1971, Billie Jean King had an abortion that was made public in a Ms. magazine article after Larry had revealed it without consulting her.
1972: Early Match Retirement and Admission
In early 1972, Billie Jean King admitted that cramps associated with an abortion caused her retirement from a match with Chris Evert.
March 1977: King requests wild card entry and plays in San Antonio
In March 1977, Billie Jean King requested a wild card entry to the Virginia Slims Championships and played in the Lionel Cup tournament in San Antonio, which faced criticism due to the presence of Renée Richards, a transgender athlete. King won the San Antonio tournament.
1979: Barnett Asked to Leave House
In 1979, the Kings asked Marilyn Barnett to leave their house, leading to threats and a lawsuit.
May 1981: Palimony Lawsuit
In May 1981, Marilyn Barnett sued the Kings in a palimony lawsuit for half their income and the Malibu house.
December 1981: Court Order Stipulates Barnett Leave the House
In December 1981, a court order stipulated that Marilyn Barnett leave the house and her threats to publish private correspondence came close to extortion.
November 1982: Palimony Suit Thrown Out of Court
In November 1982, Marilyn Barnett's palimony suit was thrown out of court.
1982: Autobiography Claim
In her 1982 autobiography, Billie Jean King claimed that she intentionally lost a match in Long Beach because of an argument with her husband.
1999: Board of Directors of Philip Morris Incorporated
In 1999, Billie Jean King was elected to serve on the board of directors of Philip Morris Incorporated, garnering some criticism.
2002: Dismissal of Capriati from Fed Cup team
In 2002, Billie Jean King dismissed Capriati from the Fed Cup team for violating rules about personal coaches, sparking controversy.
