Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, has finally responded to controversial and transphobic remarks made by MMA fighter Josh Hokit about former First Lady Michelle Obama. The 43-year-old Reddit co-founder said the comments were “vile and inappropriate.”
Alexis Ohanian comments on the vile Michelle Obama insult made at the White House
Hokit, who knocked out fellow heavyweight Derrick Lewis in the third round to win the fight at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, gave an interview to Joe Rogan after his win. During the interview, as stated by Yahoo Sports, The Incredible Hok, said, “I’m the man with the plan, the beast that’s ready to feast. You know what? F*** the speech. Shoutout to Trump for having the balls to put some s*** like this on.”
Adding further, the fighter said, “And if I’m gonna say anything, there’s only one person more incredible than the ‘Incredible Hok’, and that’s my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.” He then called out Alex Pereira, who was set to face Ciryl Gane in the co-main event, before concluding, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”
In clips circulating online, some in the audience could be heard laughing, while others seemed visibly taken aback by the comments. According to CNN, Trump, who was seated in the front row during the match, “appeared to show a faint smile.”
Following the shocking remarks, many condemned the athlete. And now Ohanian has also criticized Hokit’s comments. He wrote on X, “A lot of people are asking me to comment: Yes, that fighter’s slur about former First Lady Michelle Obama was vile and inappropriate.”
The statement came after he was slammed for attending the Trump White House UFC Freedom 250 event, which was an invitation-only gathering with more than 4,000 attendees. Williams’ husband said he attended the event at the invitation of TKO, the company behind the UFC, which is led by Dana White.
He said, “I attended the UFC event via invitation from TKO/IMG leadership (I own 5 pro sports teams + a league). I was already on my way home when those comments were made and was glad to see Dana condemn them.”
The UFC president told TIME’s Sean Gregory in a text message, “I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families. Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense.”
According to The Hill, the event drew thousands of attendees, including senior federal officials, media figures, and lawmakers such as FCC Chair Brendan Carr, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
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