The Uncensored Moment: 5 Key Takeaways From Gayle King’s Controversial Interview With Comedian Matteo Lane

The dynamic between a veteran broadcast journalist and a rising queer comedian took an unexpected and explosive turn during a live television interview that continues to be a major talking point as of December 13, 2025. The moment involved CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, known for her candid interviews and close friendship with Oprah Winfrey, quoting an uncensored gay slur while discussing a joke by comedian Matteo Lane, who was on the show to promote his new cookbook.

This single, unscripted instance sparked immediate social media debate, forcing both King and Lane to address the fallout. The controversy, however, ultimately highlighted a deeper conversation about comedy, context, and who has the authority to use certain language. The latest updates show Lane has repeatedly defended King, giving his perspective on the viral moment and the joke that started it all.

Profiles: Gayle King and Matteo Lane

To fully understand the context of their interaction, it’s essential to know the backgrounds of the two figures at the center of the controversy: the formidable journalist and the multifaceted comedian.

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• Gayle King (Broadcast Journalist, Author, Editor)
  • Born: December 28, 1954 (Chevy Chase, Maryland)
  • Current Role: Co-host of CBS Mornings (formerly CBS This Morning) and Editor-at-Large for Oprah Daily.
  • Career Highlights: An award-winning journalist, King has interviewed some of the world's most influential figures. Her decades-long friendship with Oprah Winfrey is one of the most famous in media.
  • Notable Works: Co-anchor of a major network morning show, host of the SiriusXM show Gayle King in the House.
• Matteo Lane (Comedian, Actor, Singer, Illustrator)
  • Born: June 28, 1986 (Arlington Heights, Illinois)
  • Current Projects: Touring stand-up comedian, author of the cookbook Your Pasta Sucks: A Cookbook, and star of his Hulu special, The Al Dente Special.
  • Career Highlights: Known for his high-energy, operatic voice, and sharp observational comedy on being openly queer and Italian-American. Appeared on Netflix's The Comedy Lineup and STAND OUT: An LGBTQ+ Celebration.
  • Notable Works: The Al Dente Special (Hulu), Your Pasta Sucks: A Cookbook, and his popular podcast, Inside the Closet.

The Viral Moment: What Exactly Happened on CBS Mornings?

The incident occurred during an April 2023 segment on CBS Mornings, where Matteo Lane was being interviewed about his new book, Your Pasta Sucks: A Cookbook.

Lane, a queer comedian, is known for incorporating jokes about his identity and experiences into his stand-up. During the interview, the conversation shifted to a specific joke from his set, which King was referencing.

The joke in question involved a riff about "white women" and a comment about cooking.

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As King was quoting the joke back to Lane to show how funny and cutting it was, she repeated the uncensored anti-gay slur that formed the punchline of the comedian's bit.

The moment was immediately jarring for viewers and even King's co-hosts, who appeared visibly shocked on live television.

King, realizing the gravity of what she had said, quickly apologized, stating, "I hope I don't get in trouble."

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Lane, however, was seen laughing and appeared completely unfazed by King's use of the word. His reaction was a key element in the subsequent public debate.

Matteo Lane’s Defense: Why the Comedian Gave King a ‘Pass’

The most crucial and unique development following the live broadcast was Matteo Lane’s public defense of Gayle King.

Lane addressed the incident on multiple platforms, including an appearance on The Last Laugh podcast. He explained that he was not offended by King's actions, emphasizing the difference between a person quoting a joke and a person using a slur with malicious intent.

The comedian clarified that the context of the word—being used to quote *his* joke, which was aimed at reclaiming the language—was what mattered.

He pointed out that King was genuinely trying to celebrate his comedy and had simply been caught up in the moment. In his view, King’s intent was pure, and she was an ally, not a bigot.

Lane's perspective essentially shut down much of the criticism directed at King, shifting the focus from outrage to a discussion about the nuance of language in comedy. He suggested that the outrage was misdirected, especially since the joke itself was part of his routine as a queer comic.

The comedian's defense was widely seen as a classy move that prioritized understanding and intent over reflexive cancellation.

The Impact on Comedy, Journalism, and Cultural Authority

The Gayle King and Matteo Lane controversy became a powerful case study, touching on several major cultural flashpoints in media and entertainment. It raised important questions about the unwritten rules of language on live television, particularly when discussing sensitive material like stand-up comedy.

The event highlighted the tension between the freedom of a comedian to use provocative language to reclaim a slur and the strict editorial standards of a major news network.

For King, the incident underscored the difficulty of transitioning between a serious news format and a lighter, more candid interview style, especially when discussing a queer comic's material. Her immediate apology and visible concern showed her awareness of the line she had crossed.

For Lane, the moment inadvertently provided a massive platform. The ensuing discussion about the controversy drew significant attention to his stand-up special, The Al Dente Special, and his cookbook, Your Pasta Sucks.

Ultimately, the story concluded not with a public shaming, but with a surprising display of grace and understanding, where the person who was technically the target of the slur—Matteo Lane—chose to forgive and defend the journalist who quoted it. This outcome provided a fresh, nuanced perspective on the media's handling of controversial language in the 2020s.