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Melissa King and Padma Lakshmi's Playful Antics Spark Rumors at NYC Event
10 Nov
Summary
- Lakshmi, 55, and King, 42, were seen laughing and interacting intimately at a NYC event
- The pair later shared a joint cooking video, joking about Lakshmi's "gay" nails
- Lakshmi praised King after her Top Chef season 17 win in 2020
As of November 10, 2025, Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi, 55, and season 17 winner Melissa King, 42, have been the subject of growing speculation about their relationship. A video shared on the DelishYES Instagram account last month showed the two women laughing and interacting intimately at a New York City event on November 4.
In the video, Lakshmi was seen placing a hand over her face as King, 42, sat on her lap and placed a hand on her arm. Days later, the pair shared a joint cooking video on November 9, where King jokingly commented on Lakshmi's "gay" nails, prompting Lakshmi to playfully tell her to "stop starting rumors."
This is not the first time the two have been seen together. Last month, Lakshmi praised King's victory on Top Chef season 17 in 2020, saying she was proud to watch King "blossom into a confident, on-point and innovative chef." King, who initially appeared on season 12 of the show, expressed her gratitude and validation upon winning the competition hosted by Lakshmi.
Despite the growing speculation, both Lakshmi and King have maintained that their relationship is one of close friendship and mutual admiration for each other's culinary talents. As Lakshmi stated, "Melissa is somebody whose cooking I always loved. She's fun and we enjoy each other's company."
