Montel Williams is pushing back against ongoing media interest in his past affiliations.
The Daily Beast reported that Montel Williams, frustrated by continued media inquiries into his decades-old relationship with Vice President Kamala Harris, condemned it as both inappropriate and sexist.
Former television host Montel Williams, who briefly dated Kamala Harris over twenty years ago, has become increasingly vocal about his displeasure with media queries focused on this part of their past.
He views these questions as an unnecessary focus on long-resolved personal matters, emphasizing the need for the media to divert their attention to more current and relevant topics.
Jonathan Franks, Williams's media representative, echoed this sentiment with harsh criticism of journalists who persist with these inquiries. He emphasizes the inappropriate and "creepy" nature of dredging up details from Harris’s personal history.
Williams has openly questioned why the media has shown a disproportionate interest in Harris’s dating history compared to her male counterparts.
In 2019, he initially addressed the public's curiosity over their past relationship, stressing that it was a brief and private matter that occurred when both were single. Throughout, he has maintained a tone of respect towards Harris.
On his social media platforms, Williams has been succinct. He expresses irritation over the recurring mentions of a "20+-year-old picture" of him with Harris, which he believes should no longer be newsworthy. His statements suggest a boundary being set against what he perceives as violating privacy and decorum in journalism.
Williams retweeted a strong message from Franks, who didn't mince words when addressing the media’s approach:
Ask stupid questions, win stupid prizes. I’m going to do this to every reporter who asks me this creepy, misogynistic question. I have no obligation to be cordial to reporters asking creepy and inappropriate questions.
Following the withdrawal of Joe Biden from the Democratic ticket in 2024, Williams’s political endorsements took a notable turn. Initially, he lent his support to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, lauding his leadership of Maryland and hinting at their shared background as Naval Academy alumni.
However, his endorsement journey saw a shift when Wes Moore endorsed Kamala Harris; Williams reposted this endorsement, indirectly showing his support for Harris. Williams’s actions suggest a complex view of political loyalty intertwined with personal integrity and respect for effective leadership.
Williams himself underscored his admiration for leaders with military backgrounds, stating his readiness to support them. His interest in Wes Moore's candidacy was sparked by mutual experiences and perceived qualities of leadership, which Moore had demonstrated as governor.
Williams’s forceful rejection of continued media probing into his past relationship with Kamala Harris serves as a stark reminder of the issues of privacy and sexism within political media coverage. His conditional support for Moore and later reposted endorsement of Harris highlights his pragmatic approach to political support, based on shared values and respect for effective leadership rather than past personal affiliations.
