Gayle King has shown once again that forging connections can happen in the unlikeliest of places. The co-anchor of “CBS Mornings,” who is famously known for her close friendship with Oprah Winfrey, recently struck up an unexpected camaraderie with Jesse Watters, the primetime host from Fox News, during a lengthy flight together.
King took to Instagram on October 20 to share their experience, noting, “Two TV people from competing networks walk on to a plane and to the surprise of them both, they’re seated right next to each other for over four hours.” She humorously added that a “good time was had by all,” and playfully mentioned, “Hi, Jesse…saving your number!” This light-hearted interaction sparked conversations online, with many praising King’s ability to engage with individuals from opposing sides of the media landscape.
In response, Watters described King as “cool” during their four-hour ordeal on his show “Jesse Watters Primetime.” While the flight brought some positivity, it also attracted mixed reactions. Some followers applauded King’s gesture as a symbol of “unity” and “human decency,” while others, including former Ebony magazine editor-in-chief Amy DuBois Barnett, expressed criticism, arguing that Watters is detrimental to public discourse.
This incident comes on the heels of CBS News announcing Bari Weiss, a conservative thought leader, as their new editor-in-chief on October 6, which has raised eyebrows given the network’s diverse ideological range. Earlier this year, King found herself on the receiving end of criticism from former President Donald Trump, who disparaged her career and journalism style. King responded with dignity, expressing her commitment to her work and embracing the criticisms as a badge of honor, likening herself to other prominent figures who have faced similar backlash.
King’s interaction with Watters offers a refreshing reminder of the potential for positive dialogue across political divides, showcasing that friendship and mutual respect can thrive even in a polarized environment.