Padma Lakshmi and Melissa King Are ‘Friends’ But There’s ‘Nothing Romantic’

Padma Lakshmi and chef Melissa King sparked romance rumors last month after their couples’ Halloween costume raised eyebrows — but what’s the real status of their relationship? “They’re just close friends,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. Lakshmi, 55, and King, 42, have known each other for years, but “they’re not dating,” the insider says. “There’s nothing romantic going on,” the source adds, noting, “There’s no validity to the rumors” they are a couple. Padma Lakshmi Previously Discussed Her Sexuality, Dating a Woman in Memoir Lakshmi was introduced to King during season 12 of Top Chef