The Talk Show Host You Didn't Know Kamala Harris Dated

Kamala Harris just made history as the first woman, and the first woman of color, elected vice president of the United States. The California senator has had a remarkable career thus far, even turning her own unsuccessful presidential bid into a moment of clever introspection, telling the Washington Post in February 2019, "You are forced... to define yourself in a way that you fit neatly into the compartment that other people have created. My point was: I am who I am. I'm good with it. You might need to figure it out, but I'm fine with it."

The Oakland native is the child of immigrant parents and frequently made reference to her Indian mother as a mentor while on the campaign trail with running mate Joe Biden. Throughout the process, her husband, Doug Emhoff, the country's first-ever "second gentleman," remained a prominent and supportive figure, holding fundraisers and providing advice when required. After the election was called in Biden and Harris' favor, he tweeted simply, "so proud of you." Although the two have been married for many years, there was another man in Harris's life previously whose identity may surprise you.

In response to a since-deleted tweet from tabloid journalist Chris Spargo, talk show host Montel Williams confirmed he and Harris had enjoyed a fleeting romantic dalliance. "@KamalaHarris and I briefly dated about 20 years ago when we were both single. So what? I have great respect for Sen. Harris," he wrote. Williams also pointedly noted, "I have to wonder if the same stories about her dating history would have been written if she were a male candidate?" Inside Edition reports the talk show host was compelled to comment after photos and video resurfaced of the couple together back in 2001, on the red carpet for the Eighth Annual Race to Erase MS in L.A. alongside Williams' daughter, Ashley.

As Daily Mail explains, photos of the duo ran in Ebony and Jet at the time, both of which identified Harris, then working for the San Francisco City Attorney's office, as Williams' girlfriend. The talk show host had just finalized his divorce from second wife Grace Morley prior to appearing in the press with Kamala Harris. Although they may seem like an odd match, considering Williams' stints in the Marine Corps and Navy, their shared commitment to public service evidently brought them together. In 2002, Williams was pictured at events with a new lady, solidifying the short-lived nature of his relationship with Harris. Clearly, though, based on his recent social media comments, the talk show host still has plenty of love for the incoming VP.