A UFC fighter’s post-fight remarks at the White House sparked major backlash overnight. His comments about former First Lady Michelle Obama during Donald Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 event drew condemnation from across sports and politics.
Josh Hokit comments on Michelle Obama
UFC fighter Josh Hokit sparked backlash after making a transphobic comment about former First Lady Michelle Obama. Hokit remarked during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan at the UFC Freedom 250 event. The White House hosted the event on the South Lawn on Sunday to mark President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
Hokit won his bout with a TKO over Derrick Lewis during the event. He then shouted out Trump and praised Jesus Christ during his interview. Hokit concluded by saying, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” (via ESPN)
The comment drew a mix of laughter and boos from the crowd. CNN noted that Trump “appeared to show a half-smile” after Hokit’s false remark. The comment referenced a conspiracy theory popular on the political right about the former First Lady.
Several public figures condemned Hokit’s remarks in the aftermath. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III called it “a disgrace” on social media. Griffin wrote, “It takes a really small man to use his biggest moment to attack a woman by calling her a man.”
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, a usual Trump supporter, urged the president to denounce the remark. Portnoy said, “When you have that on the White House lawn on an event you put down, that has to be an immediate denounce.” The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Hokit’s remarks.
Rep. Joaquin Castro also challenged Paramount, which streamed the event, for airing the comments. The Democratic National Committee responded by posting a portrait of Obama. Trump celebrated the event on Truth Social, calling it “incredible” without addressing Hokit’s remarks.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
