On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, many people take to social media to celebrate and remember the civil rights leader’s legacy by sharing quotes, stories, and photos related to him. While most discussions focus on his civil rights work, some individuals may bring up aspects of his personal life that could be considered controversial. Comedian Michael Blackson posted a since-deleted tweet in which he questioned rumors about Dr. King having a white girlfriend while being married.
While Blackson’s brand of humor is known for its irreverence, not everyone appreciated his question, with some viewing it as disrespectful. Comedian Katt Williams called it a “coon question,” and Willie D reposted the tweet on his Instagram with a caption expressing disapproval of any form of disrespect, especially from those outside the African American experience.
Rumors and stories about Dr. King’s personal life, including allegations of infidelity, have been circulating for many years. A biography about Martin Luther King Jr. titled “Bearing the Cross” briefly mentioned a woman named Betty Moritz, with whom Dr. King was said to have had a relationship in his early 20s. Their relationship was reportedly passionate, and Moritz claimed that King had considered leaving his career to be with her. However, the exact timing of their relationship in relation to his marriage to Coretta Scott King remains unclear.
It’s important to note that Dr. King’s infidelity and personal relationships have been discussed in various biographies and accounts. For instance, Ralph Abernathy, a close friend of Dr. King, wrote a biography titled “And the Walls Came Tumbling Down,” which delved into King’s extramarital affairs and moments of weakness. These revelations were considered controversial at the time.
The appropriateness of discussing Dr. King’s personal affairs and the impact on his legacy is a matter of individual perspective. Some may feel that personal matters are irrelevant to the significant contributions he made to the civil rights movement, while others may argue that understanding his complexities as a human being adds depth to his legacy.