“Leadership and character are not only about what you say in public, but also about how you behave when no one is watching”

Billie Jean King, one of the pioneers of gender equality and the promotion of women's sports, sent a message after members of the US men's hockey team, Olympic champions, laughed at a misogynistic joke from President Donald Trump, who told them that he was inviting them to the White House, but then said with a laugh that he would have to invite the members of the Olympic title-winning women's team.

Several hockey players later admitted that they had reacted wrongly, and the hockey players paid for the joke, politely refusing to go to the White House, labeling the remark as inappropriate and emphasizing the support they received from the boys when they were together at the Olympics.

Billie Jean King: “Let's make sure men and women support each other”

The former tennis player wrote on social media: “When athletes play for their nation, they are performing for something bigger than themselves. The gold medals won by Team USA are just as important and historic. As a person who has fought all my life for equality, I believe that leadership and character are not only about what you say in public, but also about how you behave when no one is watching.”.

This is a moment to learn, grow, and speak up for one another. pic.twitter.com/4biWqYHGyK

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) February 27, 2026

Billie Jean King added, “I also spent a lot of time in the locker room when we were playing, and I completely understand the range of emotions that exist after a huge victory. Even so, the fact that members of the men's hockey team laughed at a joke about the women's team is uncomfortable. This incident took the attention away from the success of the two teams.

What matters now is where we choose to channel the energy. Let's not lose sight of what a great moment this is for hockey, for women's sports and for our country. And let's make sure men and women support each other”.

Billie Jean King is the founder of the WTA, convincing a tobacco company to sponsor the establishment of a women's circuit in 1970. She also supported and helped found a professional women's hockey league, the PWHL. The former tennis player was present in 2024 at the first match in this league, she dropped the first puck. “I am incredibly excited to be present as these players' dreams come true.” said Billie Jean King at the time.