Gayle King shares unexpected selfie with Fox News' Jesse Watters: 'A good time was had by all'
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: CBS Anchor Gayle King surprised followers on Monday, October 20, by posting a smiling selfie with her longtime media rival, Fox News host Jesse Watters after the two were seated next to each other on a flight.
The photo shared on Instagram showed the unlikely duo grinning from ear to ear that quickly stirred negative reaction, particulrly from liberals.
Rivals turned flight buddies
“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,” King wrote in the caption of her latest post.
“How did it go? Speaking for [Watters] here: A good time was had by all! Hi, Jesse…saving your number!”
Liberals upset over Gayle King's post
However, many followers quickly criticised the 'CBS Mornings' host for her kind remarks. “I respect and love you, Gayle. Your seat mate, however, is harming our country,” one wrote.
“It was so fun to sit next to my new friend who promotes misogyny and racism for a living. What is happening?” another added.
"Are you kidding me? You haven’t said a thing about ICE raids and you post a photo of a white supremacist who gets paid millions to spew hate against women, Latinos, Black Americans, trans people, the working class, liberals, Asians, Democrats, Muslims, progressives.
This is insulting to all the people that have supported you over the years," another follower raged.
One user wrote, “I thought you had more integrity than that”.
Unlikely flightmates with opposite politics
In 2019, Watters accidentally confused King with 'Good Morning America' anchor Robin Roberts and later issued an apology for the mistake.
Ideologically, Watters lean towards mainstream American conservatism, backing traditional Republican views and often reflecting President Donald Trump’s populist views.
Watters criticised has slammed No Kings protesters as ignorant trend-chasers who had "no idea why they're there”, even noting that his own mother was part of the protest.
Gayle King, by contrast keeps a calm conversational style instead of strong political commentary. Her interviews, particularly the ones with Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and often controversial ones with guests like R Kelly are seen as balanced but empathetic.
She is also longtime friends with Oprah Winfrey, an outspoken supporter of the Democratic party.
