Inside PEOPLE and e.l.f.'s Exclusive Party Honoring the Great Billie Jean King
On the 50th anniversary of King's game-changing Battle of the Sexes match, the icon joined sports stars and celebs to celebrate all she's done and what's to come
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Christie Brinkley and Billie Jean KingFifty years ago, Billie Jean King forever changed the scope of women's tennis when she beat men's tennis star Bobby Riggs in a match dubbed the "Battle of the Sexes."
In the years since, King, now 79, has worked tirelessly for equality in women's sports, most recently stepping out at the US Open to mark the 50th anniversary of equal prize money for both sexes at the annual tennis competition. Former First Lady Michelle Obama was on hand to praise King for her efforts.
“Billie Jean teaches us that when things lie in the balance, we all have a choice to make,” Obama said. “We can either wait around and accept what we’re given. We can sit silently and hope someone else fights our battles. Or we can make our own stand. We can use whatever platforms we have to speak out and fight to protect the progress we’ve made, and level the playing field for all of our daughters and their daughters.”
In honor of the major milestone, PEOPLE and e.l.f. SKIN threw a Women Changing the Game party in King's honor on Wednesday night, Sept. 20, at Manhatta in New York City, bringing together celebrities and stars of women's sports for an inspiring conversation with the legend.
Christie Brinkley and Billie Jean King
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Christie Brinkley, Billie Jean KingBillie Jean King and Bridget Moynahan
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Billie Jean King, Bridget MoynahanSoccer Stars Kelley O'Hara, Ali Krieger and Kristie Mewis with Billie Jean King
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Kelley O'Hara, Ali Krieger, Billie Jean King, Kristie MewisMarcia Gay Harden and Billie Jean King
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Marcia Gay Harden, Billie Jean KingChristie Brinkley and Padma Lakshmi
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Christie Brinkley, Padma LakshmiPEOPLE President Leah Wyar, Billie Jean King, Editor in Chief Wendy Naugle and Dotdash Meredith CEO Neil Vogel
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Leah Wyar, Billie Jean King, Wendy Naugle, Neil VogelPeloton's Ally Love and Jess King with Billie Jean King
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Ally Love, Billie Jean King, Jess KingBillie Jean King in Conversation with PEOPLE Editor in Chief Wendy Naugle
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Billie Jean King, Wendy Nauglee.l.f. CMO Kory Marchisotto and Billie Jean King
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Kory Marchisotto, Billie Jean KingPinky Cole and Billie Jean King
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Pinky Cole, Billie Jean KingUbah Hassan, Dotdash Meredith CEO Neil Vogel and PEOPLE Editor in Chief Wendy Naugle
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Ubah Hassan, Neil Vogel, Wendy NaugleFolake Olowofoyeku and Bridget Moynahan
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Read the original article on People.