Gayle King Shuts Down Fake AI Engagement Rumors

King Addresses Fake Engagement on CBS Mornings

Veteran journalist Gayle King recently used her platform on CBS Mornings to make a unique on-air correction. This time, however, the error wasn't from her team but from the wild world of the internet. King, 70, found herself needing to dispel rampant online rumors that she had not only gotten engaged but was also secretly married.

The speculation was fueled by a series of images circulating on social media that appeared to show the celebrated anchor with a new husband. On a Friday broadcast, King set the record straight, confirming to her audience that she is neither married nor engaged. She identified the convincing pictures, which featured her with a large engagement ring, as AI-generated fakes.

“Been getting a lot of texts, a lot of messages, stories online that I got engaged,” King explained while showcasing screenshots of the fakes from Facebook. Pointing to the digitally created images, she humorously remarked, “There’s a lucky man, I have no idea who he is.”

The Details of the AI-Generated Hoax

The AI-generated images were quite detailed, showing a smiling Gayle King prominently displaying a large, round diamond engagement ring. Other fabricated photos depicted an avatar of King in a bridal veil, posing happily next to an unknown man who was presented as her husband. The convincing nature of these images led to the widespread confusion that prompted her public denial.

On Real Relationships and Future Partners

While she is currently single, King was previously married to attorney William Bumpus from 1982 to 1993, with whom she shares two children, Kirby and William Bumpus Jr. King has openly stated that she is ready to find love again, and she has clear ideas about what she's looking for in a partner—first and foremost, that they are a real person and not a fabrication from an AI like ChatGPT.

In a May 2024 appearance on the Tamron Hall Show, she shared her criteria: “You want somebody who celebrates you, who is excited for you, who is very comfortable in their own skin.”

Navigating Career Speculation

In addition to the personal rumors, King also addressed professional speculation. Following reports that she might be leaving CBS Mornings when her contract ends in May 2026, a CBS News spokesperson clarified to the Daily Beast that there have been “no discussions” regarding her contract. “She’s a truly valued part of CBS and we look forward to engaging with her about the future,” the spokesperson added.

King herself commented on the rumors in a statement to TMZ, saying she has “no idea” what the future holds when her contract is up but noted that she has received assurances from the network that she is doing “a great job.”