Gayle King stirred controversy after using a homophobic slur during Thursday’s live episode of CBS Mornings. While interviewing comedian Matteo Lane, King quoted one of his stand-up jokes that ends with the f-slur, a term deeply offensive to many in the LGBTQ+ community. Although she warned, “I hope I don’t get in trouble,” before repeating the punchline, the damage was immediate.
CBS quickly scrubbed the slur from all social media clips and online platforms. However, viewers had already captured and shared the moment, prompting swift backlash. Critics flooded social media with posts condemning King’s use of the word- even in the context of quoting a comedian.
Gayle King Uses Gay Slur While Quoting Joke in the Middle of Interview | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/knayebTSWw
— TMZ (@TMZ) April 4, 2025
Public Backlash Grows, CBS Stays Silent On Disciplinary Action
Despite the uproar, CBS has chosen not to discipline King. Sources inside the network confirmed that executives don’t plan to take any formal action. King, who signed a new contract with CBS in September 2024, will return to the anchor desk on Monday as scheduled.
Viewers, however, continue to voice frustration.
One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Not okay with @GayleKing using the f-slur in her interview with #MatteoLane on @cbs. That word has a very dark history for gay men.”
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Not okay with @GayleKing using the f-slur in her interview with #MatteoLane on @cbs. That word has a very dark history for
— Mikey Russo (@MikeyPanik) April 4, 2025
gay men. The fact it was used so casually and laughed at on morning TV, even if she was quoting his standup, is really depressing. pic.twitter.com/hqhdKs9SAM
Another commented, “If you have to preface quoting a joke by saying ‘I hope I don’t get in trouble,’ you probably should pick another joke to quote.”
If you have to preface quoting a joke by saying "I hope I don't get in trouble.", you probably should pick another joke to quote.
— Neil (@bigheadneil) April 4, 2025
Social media users also questioned why King believed it was appropriate to say the slur aloud on daytime television.
“What would possess her to say a slur on daytime TV?” one person posted.
Neither Gayle King nor CBS has issued a public apology or formal statement. By allowing her to remain on air, CBS appears to be moving on, but public sentiment suggests the conversation is far from over.
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