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 is a celebrated American former world No. 1 tennis player. Her illustrious career boasts 39 Grand Slam titles, comprising 12 in singles, 16 in women's doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. Beyond her individual achievements, King contributed significantly to team success, representing the United States on seven victorious Federation Cup teams and nine Wightman Cup teams. She's also a champion for gender equality in sports and society.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1965: Loses US No. 1 Position

In 1965, Billie Jean King continued her tour of Australia. Later that year, at Wimbledon, she lost in the semi-finals to Maria Bueno. At the U.S. Championships, she lost to Margaret Court in the final. The United States Lawn Tennis Association overruled its ranking committee's recommendation and voted to rank Nancy Richey Gunter and King as co-U.S. No. 1.

1967: Criticism of USLTA

In 1967, Billie Jean King criticized the United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA), denouncing the practice of "shamateurism" where top players were paid under the table. She argued that this was corrupt and elitist.

September 1970: Pacific Southwest Open Prize Discrepancy and Houston Virginia Slims invitational

In September 1970, due to the significant prize money discrepancy between men and women at the Pacific Southwest Open, where men's top prize was $12,500 compared to women's $1,500 and unequal expense coverage, Billie Jean King and eight other women boycotted the tournament. This led to them organizing the women-only Houston Virginia Slims Invitational, which helped launch a series of women-only tournaments.

1971: Abortion Made Public

In 1971, King had an abortion that was made public in a Ms. magazine article after Larry revealed it without her consent.

1972: King admits abortion caused retirement.

In early 1972, Billie Jean King admitted that cramps associated with an abortion caused her to retire from a match with Chris Evert in St. Petersburg after splitting the first two sets.

March 1977: King's controversial decision

In March 1977, Billie Jean King requested a wild card entry to the Virginia Slims Championships, and later decided to play the Lionel Cup tournament, drawing criticism for the tournament's inclusion of Renée Richards. King eventually won the tournament.

May 1981: Palimony Lawsuit

In May 1981, Marilyn Barnett, King's former secretary, filed a palimony lawsuit against Billie Jean and Larry King, seeking half of their income and the Malibu house she had been staying in. This lawsuit followed a suicide attempt by Barnett. Billie Jean acknowledged the relationship with Marilyn shortly afterward, becoming the first prominent female professional athlete to come out.

December 1981: Court Order Regarding Palimony Suit

In December 1981, a court order stipulated that Barnett leave the house due to her palimony suit against King. Barnett's threats to publish private correspondence in exchange for money were considered close to extortion.

November 1982: Palimony Suit Dismissal

In November 1982, Barnett's palimony suit against King was thrown out of court, resolving the legal challenge.

1982: King's Claim of Intentionally Losing Match

In her 1982 autobiography, Billie Jean King claimed that she intentionally lost a match in Long Beach to Françoise Dürr due to an argument with her husband.

March 1983: House Destruction

In March 1983, the house contested in the palimony suit was destroyed during a series of storms that struck the southern California coastline.

1999: Board Membership with Philip Morris Incorporated

In 1999, Billie Jean King was elected to serve on the board of directors of Philip Morris Incorporated, which garnered criticism from anti-tobacco groups.