The Truth Behind The 'Zesty KAT' Meme: Is Karl-Anthony Towns Gay? (Updated December 2025)

The speculation surrounding NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns' sexuality has been a persistent and often toxic feature of online sports culture for years, intensifying dramatically following his high-profile trade to the New York Knicks in 2024. These rumors, often fueled by crude social media memes and homophobic ridicule about his demeanor, have attempted to police the star's masculinity. As of December 2025, there is absolutely no credible evidence, public statement, or confirmation from Towns himself to suggest he is gay; in fact, his personal life is defined by a very public and long-term heterosexual relationship with model and entrepreneur Jordyn Woods. This article cuts through the noise to examine the origins of the "Zesty KAT" narrative, his public relationship history, and his surprising role as an LGBTQ+ ally.

The core of the rumors often boils down to a judgment of his mannerisms—specifically, being described as "soft-spoken" or "zesty"—a form of online mockery that highlights a broader culture war over traditional definitions of male athleticism. Despite the noise, Towns has consistently focused on his career and his very visible personal life, offering a clear counter-narrative to the unfounded gossip.

Karl-Anthony Towns: Biography and Professional Profile

Karl-Anthony Towns Jr., often known by his initials KAT, is one of the most versatile and dominant big men in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His career has been marked by exceptional scoring ability and three-point shooting, a rare trait for a player of his size.

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• Full Name: Karl-Anthony Towns Jr.
• Nickname: KAT
• Date of Birth: November 15, 1995
• Place of Birth: Edison, New Jersey, U.S.
• Nationality: American and Dominican (he represents the Dominican Republic national team)
• Height: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
• Weight: 248 lbs (112 kg)
• Position: Center / Power Forward
• Current Team: New York Knicks (Traded in September 2024)
• NBA Draft: 1st overall pick in 2015 by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• College Career: University of Kentucky (one season)
• Key Career Highlights: NBA Rookie of the Year (2016), Multiple-time NBA All-Star, NBA Three-Point Contest Champion (2022), All-NBA Team selection.
• Family: His mother, Jacqueline Towns, tragically passed away in April 2020 due to complications from COVID-19, a deeply personal loss he has often spoken about.

Unpacking the "Zesty KAT" Meme and Gay Rumors

The rumors questioning Karl-Anthony Towns' sexuality are a textbook example of how a player's perceived deviation from hyper-masculine athlete stereotypes can become fodder for online ridicule. The term "Zesty KAT" became a viral meme, primarily on platforms like Twitter (now X) and TikTok, used to mock his voice, his public demeanor, or even his fashion choices.

The Policing of Masculinity in Sports

The crux of the "Is KAT gay?" question has little to do with any actual evidence and everything to do with a public policing of his masculinity. Critics often target his "soft-spoken" nature or moments where he expresses emotion, viewing these traits as "unmanly" or "soft" for a 7-foot, 250-pound NBA center.

This phenomenon is not unique to Towns. Any male athlete who doesn't conform to a narrow, aggressive, and stoic definition of masculinity can become a target for similar homophobic jibes. The underlying message of the "Zesty KAT" meme is a form of cultural shaming, implying that his perceived lack of traditional "toughness" must be linked to his sexuality.

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KAT's Surprising Role as an LGBTQ+ Ally

In a powerful counterpoint to the homophobic rumors, Karl-Anthony Towns has actually demonstrated active support for the LGBTQ+ community. During his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he personally welcomed fans to the team's annual Pride Night, sharing a message of inclusion over the microphone. This action is significant, especially considering his former teammate, Anthony Edwards, faced public backlash in 2022 for using a homophobic slur on social media. Towns’ actions position him as an ally, separating him from the toxic culture that fuels the rumors about him.

Karl-Anthony Towns' Definitive Relationship History

The most direct and public refutation of the gay rumors is Karl-Anthony Towns' well-documented relationship history, which is exclusively with women. His current and most high-profile relationship has been a staple of celebrity news for years.

The Relationship with Jordyn Woods (2020–Present)

Karl-Anthony Towns has been in a serious, long-term relationship with model, socialite, and entrepreneur Jordyn Woods since 2020. Their romance began after years of being close "best friends."

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• Start Date: They officially began dating in 2020, making their relationship Instagram official shortly after.
• Public Profile: The couple is highly visible, frequently attending events together, sharing their relationship on social media, and publicly supporting each other's careers. Woods is often seen at Knicks games supporting Towns.
• Engagement Rumors: Their commitment is so strong that they have been the subject of frequent engagement and marriage speculation, though as of late 2025, they have not confirmed an engagement.
• Mutual Support: Woods and Towns have been open about supporting each other through major life events, including the loss of Towns' mother to COVID-19, which they have both cited as a moment that solidified their bond.

Previous Relationship

Prior to dating Woods, Towns was in a relationship with Kawahine Andrade from approximately 2016 to 2018, further cementing his public history of dating women.

Conclusion: The Final Word on KAT's Sexuality

In summary, the narrative suggesting Karl-Anthony Towns is gay is a prime example of online misinformation fueled by homophobia and a culture that polices male athletes who do not fit a rigid, outdated mold of masculinity. The term "Zesty KAT" is a derogatory meme, not a factual statement about his sexual orientation.

The definitive facts are clear: Karl-Anthony Towns has never publicly commented on being gay, nor has he ever been associated with any male partners. His public life is centered around his professional career with the New York Knicks and his long-term, highly visible heterosexual relationship with his girlfriend, Jordyn Woods. While the internet may continue to circulate these rumors, the evidence overwhelmingly points to a straight identity, and the discussion should instead focus on his incredible talent as one of the NBA's premier big men.