UFC Fighter Claims Michelle Obama Remark Was a Compliment
UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit has sparked controversy after claiming that his comment calling former first lady Michelle Obama a man was intended as a compliment. During a White House lawn event, Hokit shouted, 'Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?' The crowd reacted with mixed silence, laughter, and boos. President Donald Trump appeared to show a half-smile, according to CNN.
Hokit's Explanation and Backlash
On The Ariel Helwani Show, Hokit explained, 'Michelle Obama being a man, that’s like, uh, she knows how to deal with adversity, know, she knows how to work hard like a man.' Host Ariel Helwani pushed back, leading Hokit to pivot to free speech, saying, 'I thought it was a perfect opportunity to, you know, show the world how great this country is with the freedom of speech.' He added that he does not regret his comment.
Criticism of Trump and UFC CEO
The incident highlights the mainstreaming of misogyny and racism, according to critics. Trump has not denounced Hokit's comments, despite his history of spreading conspiracy theories about the Obamas. UFC CEO Dana White condemned the remark, telling Time, 'I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families.' However, critics argue this falls short of addressing the broader issue of masculinizing Black women.
Broader Context of Black Women's Treatment
Serena Williams and Brittney Griner have faced similar conspiracy theories about their gender. Wicked actor Cynthia Erivo told Variety that her humanity felt 'bastardized' after being portrayed as a bodyguard to co-star Ariana Grande. Erivo noted, 'There was this assumption that I was bigger than my co-star and so I had to be controlling or protecting, and that was my role.'
Jimmy Fallon Platforms Conor McGregor
Jimmy Fallon faced criticism for hosting Conor McGregor on The Tonight Show without mentioning his legal controversies, including a civil rape case where a jury found him liable. Fallon, who previously ruffled Trump's hair in 2016, has been accused of whitewashing McGregor's image.
Other News: Tate Brothers, US Fighter Pilot, UN Report
A judge denied Andrew and Tristan Tate's bid to unmask their accusers in UK rape and human trafficking cases. US fighter pilot Capt Jacob Wulfson avoided UK trial after strangling a woman, facing an all-male jury at a US airbase. A UN inquiry found that about 30% of people killed by Israeli forces in Gaza are children, with soldiers filming themselves destroying children's toys.
