The White House has not yet addressed Josh Hokit’s insulting comment about Michelle Obama. The officials did not respond to or condemn the MMA fighter’s controversial remarks in a recent statement. Hokit’s words have since triggered a wave of criticism on the internet. UFC President Dana White has also given a statement condemning the slur.
White House avoids addressing Josh Hokit’s statement
Josh Hokit gave a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan following the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on Sunday. While concluding his monologue, Hokit made an eyebrow-raising remark about the former first lady, saying, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” The program moved on without further mentioning the comment.
The White House has not addressed the remark. Shortly after the incident, CNN’s Jake Tapper reported that when White House Communications Director Steven Cheung was asked about Hokit, he praised the fighter for his performance at the MMA event.
“He had a great win last night,” Cheung said. “He showed toughness and the ability to pressure his opponent both on his feet and on the ground,” the White House official added. No additional comments were made about Hokit’s remark on Michelle Obama.
Hokit’s comment quickly sparked widespread backlash from netizens and political figures, including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. “There was one moment I do think Trump has to denounce, and anybody associated with it has to denounce,” Portnoy said. “And that’s that crazy fighter guy… He won the fight, he took the microphone, and he made a derogatory comment about Michelle Obama,” he added.
UFC President Dana White also condemned Hokit’s remark in a statement to TIME Magazine. “I understand that the Obama’s are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White said. “Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense,” he stated.
Originally reported by Namrata Ghosh on Mandatory
