Billie Jean King's Ex-Husband Reveals Shocking Revelation

The documentary "Give Me the Ball!" delves into the marriage of tennis legend Billie Jean King and her former husband, Larry King. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, the film features candid reflections from both.

Larry King, now 81, disclosed in the film that he learned of Billie Jean's relationship with hairdresser Marilyn Barnett only one day before the news broke publicly in 1981. At that point, he states, their marriage maintained an "open kind of relationship."

Billie Jean, 82, shared that her understanding of her sexuality was nascent during their marriage, which began in 1965. She noted limited prior experience, with only one same-sex kiss in college before meeting Larry, whom she described as a feminist and "the one."

Larry King acknowledged supporting his wife's groundbreaking career but admitted the demanding nature of her ambition ultimately strained their relationship. He stated, "It was more the life that Billie Jean wanted. It wasn't the life I wanted."

Discussions of divorce emerged in the early 1970s, particularly after an abortion Billie Jean had, which Larry made public. Billie Jean expressed confusion about her identity, stating, "I didn't know what I was doing." She revealed she pleaded with Larry to divorce her, feeling he shouldn't have to endure her struggles.

Despite the open relationship, Larry King did not view Marilyn Barnett as a significant threat. He mentioned it would have bothered him more if Billie Jean had male friends, as he did not feel he was competing with female partners.

Larry King remained supportive during the public press conference where Billie Jean admitted to the affair and stayed close until their divorce in 1987. Larry has since remarried. Billie Jean, who married Ilana Kloss in 2018, expressed that all parties have found happiness and remain friends, even serving as godmothers to Larry's children.