Billie Jean King Honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Legendary tennis icon and former world number one, Billie Jean King, joined the ranks of the Hollywood Walk of Fame recipients, earning the 2,807th star on Monday. King’s illustrious legacy includes her memorable victory over male tennis player Bobby Riggs in the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes.” This match was not just about triumphing on the court but was a pivotal moment in advocating for gender pay equality in sports, culminating in her victory over Riggs.

Among the attendees was former basketball star Magic Johnson, who praised King during the event. “She’s an incredible individual, and what truly stands out about Billie Jean is her dedication to driving change through her platform. The ‘Battle of the Sexes’ wasn’t solely about your win against Bobby Riggs; it was a fight for equal pay for women,” Johnson remarked. “Today, countless young female athletes earning millions owe a debt of gratitude to you for paving the way for them.”

King made history as the first female athlete to be awarded both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. She established the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Association, spearheading initiatives that uplift women in sports.

In 1981, King bravely revealed her truth as a lesbian and has since been a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ rights. Her spouse, Ilana Kloss, a former tennis player as well, accompanied her at the ceremony. The event also featured acclaimed actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who stated, “No woman in professional sports or any LGBTQ+ individual has not been positively impacted by this remarkable woman’s exceptional talents and her unparalleled commitment to enhancing the lives of others daily.”