Fox News and Julie Banderas Stir the Pot Again with a Remark About LeBron James’ Love Life

Fox News is causing a stir once again — but this time, it’s not politics at the center of the controversy. It’s LeBron James’ love life. During a live broadcast that was supposed to focus on current affairs, anchor Julie Banderas veered into the realm of petty gossip, throwing out a cold, sarcastic remark: “He can’t even keep a long-term relationship.”

Fox News is making headlines once more — but this time, it’s not for a political scandal. No, this time it’s all about LeBron James and his personal life. In what was supposed to be a serious broadcast on current affairs, anchor Julie Banderas decided to toss aside all notions of professionalism and veer straight into the realm of petty gossip. During the segment, she made the following snide, cold remark: “He can’t even keep a long-term relationship.”

Ah yes, because what better way to discuss the latest news than to throw in a jab at one of the greatest basketball players of all time for… his love life? Forget the fact that LeBron James is an athlete whose talents and accomplishments are world-renowned. Forget about his philanthropic efforts, the countless charitable initiatives, and his activism. According to Banderas, the most important thing we need to talk about is whether or not he can “keep a long-term relationship.”

Never mind that LeBron has been happily married to his high school sweetheart, Savannah Brinson, since 2013, and the two share three children. But who needs all those details when you can make a quick, baseless swipe at someone’s personal life for the sake of cheap entertainment?

It’s almost as if Fox News has mastered the art of turning serious discussions into tabloid trash. While the world debates pressing global issues and social matters, Fox News seems more concerned with dissecting the love lives of public figures. So, while we could be having thoughtful conversations about global politics, economic issues, or even LeBron’s phenomenal sports career, why not focus on a superficial jab instead?

And honestly, what does this say about society’s tendency to reduce public figures, especially men of color, to their relationships instead of recognizing their professional success? Instead of celebrating LeBron’s basketball legacy — his four NBA championships, his countless MVP awards, and his historic contributions to the game — we’re here questioning his personal life. It’s clear that the depths of his success are secondary to the all-important question: Can he “keep a relationship”?

Let’s not forget that LeBron James is an athlete who has achieved nearly everything there is to accomplish in his field. But in the eyes of some, perhaps what really matters is whether or not his marriage is perfect by societal standards. If LeBron were to win another championship or break another record, would he be celebrated the same way, or would the conversation quickly shift back to his relationship status?

Fox News, in this instance, might just be leaning into the age-old trope: if you can’t attack someone for their success, attack them for their private life. While there’s no doubt that media outlets have the right to discuss public figures, the manner in which they do so says a lot about their priorities — and unfortunately, this comment reflects a broader trend of reducing people to their most trivial aspects.

In a world where celebrities’ every move is scrutinized, LeBron James has largely remained above the fray, focusing on his game, his family, and his ventures off the court. His dedication to his marriage, to his children, and to his work outside of basketball is rarely acknowledged in the same breath as his on-court triumphs. Yet, here we are — as a media outlet, and as a society — more invested in pointing out the “flaws” of someone’s relationship than their monumental achievements.

So, thanks, Julie Banderas, for reminding us all that in 2025, we’re still more interested in the tabloid-style drama of athletes’ personal lives than the historical impact they have on their fields. At least it gives us something to talk about, right?