Gayle King recently shared a selfie with Jesse Watters on a flight, triggering significant backlash from liberals online. The photo, taken during a four-hour cross-country trip on Monday, featured the co-host of “CBS Mornings” smiling beside the Fox News host. King humorously remarked about the two “TV people from competing networks” sharing a flight and noted, “Speaking for @jessewatters here: A good time was had by all! Hi, Jesse … saving your number!” on her Instagram.
Public Reaction to Gayle King’s Selfie with Jesse Watters
The lighthearted nature of King’s post did not sit well with many progressives on social media. Numerous users criticized King for her perceived insensitivity, describing the interaction as a display of “tone-deaf chumminess.”
- One user on Bluesky stated, “Gayle this is NOT IT.”
- Rapper Talib Kweli expressed disapproval, commenting, “Nah Gayle this ain’t it.”
- Another account asserted, “All Nazi Jesse does is … LIE!”
- Some commenters suggested King was attempting to impress her new boss, Bari Weiss, who has recently taken charge at CBS News.
Context of Liberal Discontent
The backlash against King comes at a sensitive moment for her career. Speculation has grown regarding her position at CBS News following Bari Weiss’s arrival. Weiss aims to revamp the network, heightening fears related to potential layoffs or reshuffles.
Insiders indicated that King’s contract, reportedly worth between $13 million and $15 million annually, is set to expire in May 2024. Concerns have arisen about her role amid possible changes in the morning and evening news lineups, which could impact her standing within the network.
A Past Encounter Resurfaces
King’s selfie with Watters also rekindled memories of a previous incident from 2019. During that episode, Watters mistakenly identified King as Robin Roberts, another well-known anchor. He later issued an on-air apology while holding a sign reading, “I’m sorry Gayle + Robin.”
As the conversation continues, the dynamics between media personalities across differing networks remain a topic of interest for audiences and the industry alike.
Both CBS News and Fox News have yet to provide official comments on the recent developments. The unfolding situation highlights the intricate relationships in the media landscape and their implications for those within the industry.
