On the glitzy red carpet of the Golden Globes, “Heated Rivalry” star Hudson Williams sparked a slightly awkward moment with a cheeky remark that seemed to fly right over the head of seasoned broadcaster Gayle King.

The 24-year-old actor found himself in conversation with the veteran CBS Mornings host, 71, as they both attended the prestigious event at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, on Sunday. Amidst the buzz and glamour, the exchange took an unexpected turn.

As King enthusiastically discussed the palpable excitement surrounding Williams’ and his co-star Connor Storrie’s presence at the ceremony, Williams interjected with a risqué joke. However, the jest didn’t quite land, leaving an air of mild discomfort.

The conversation took off with King expressing the thrill shared by fans and attendees alike, highlighting their anticipation for the stars’ arrival. She animatedly recounted, “There’s been buzz the whole night – I’m not exaggerating – it has been, ‘They’re coming! They’re coming! They’re coming!’”

While the comment was intended to be lighthearted, it seemed to miss its mark with King, adding an unexpected twist to the evening’s memorable moments.

‘There’s been buzz the whole night – I’m not exaggerating – it has been, “They’re coming! They’re coming! They’re coming! They’re coming!”‘ King told the star.

Hudson then smirked as he responded: ‘Yeah, we do that a lot.’

King didn’t acknowledge the sexual innuendo and continued on: ‘Throughout the whole evening, people are saying, “Are they here?”‘

Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams made a very risqué comment on the Golden Globes red carpet to Gayle King… who awkwardly failed to get it

The actor, 24, was chatting with the CBS Mornings host, 71, ahead of the ceremony on Sunday, which is taking place at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California

‘I wonder what this moment feels like to you?’ she asked.

‘It was more overwhelming a couple of weeks ago, now it’s starting to feel a little bit more gratifying,’ Hudson said. 

‘I’m just thankful, I’m meeting people who I really admire and respect and I’m able to talk about the thing I love talking about… acting, film.’

A clip of the moment was shared to X, formerly Twitter, where it went viral, leaving many fans in hysterics.

The show, which is adapted from a series of novels by author Rachel Reid, focuses on the romance and rivalry between a pair of hockey players from Canada and Russia. 

It has quickly become one of the most talked about television shows in pop culture in both Canada and the United States – as legions of fans eagerly tuned in for the six episodes of the first season. 

Williams, who plays main heartthrob Shane Hollander in the series, revealed last week that the impact of the program has extended beyond entertainment. 

‘The been buzz the whole night – I’m not exaggerating – has been, “They’re coming! They’re coming!”‘ King told the star. Hudson then smirked as he responded: ‘Yeah, we do that a lot’

King didn’t acknowledge the sexual innuendo and continued on: ‘Throughout the whole evening, people are saying, “Are they here?”‘

Speaking to Andy Cohen on his SiriusXM radio show, Williams claimed that multiple closeted professional athletes have reached out to him since the program’s premiere. 

‘It’s definitely the people who reach out, somewhat anonymously, who are like, “I’m a professional player, and I’m still in the closet,”‘ the actor said. 

Williams added that closeted hockey, basketball and football players have all contacted him through Reid. 

He shared: ‘They’re reaching out to Rachel, our author, who will then relay these lovely anonymous emails.

‘And sometimes they’re just reaching out privately through Instagram, and those are the ones that hit you and go, “Oh, so this is a fun show and it’s celebratory, but also sometimes it’s just hitting people right in the nerves.”‘