UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit has stirred controversy after yelling at a White House event that Michelle Obama is a man, later claiming it was intended as a compliment. The incident occurred at last week's UFC event on the White House lawn, where Hokit shouted into a microphone: 'Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?' The crowd reacted with a mix of silence, laughter, and boos, while President Donald Trump appeared to show a half-smile, according to CNN.
Hokit's explanation and backlash
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hokit defended his remark, stating it was a compliment. '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. You know, when the times get tough, you know, the tough keep going,' he said. Host Ariel Helwani pushed back, questioning why Hokit brought up Obama at all. Hokit then pivoted 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. You know you go somewhere [else in the world], and you say something like that, and you die.' He added that he does not regret his comment.
Political and social implications
The incident highlights the mainstreaming of misogyny and racism, according to commentators. President Trump has not condemned Hokit's remarks, which critics link to his history of targeting the Obamas with conspiracy theories, including the false claim that Barack Obama was not born in the US. Trump also posted and later deleted a video depicting the Obamas as apes earlier this year.
UFC CEO Dana White, a close Trump ally, condemned Hokit's comment, telling Time: 'I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I'm completely against saying nasty and false things about people's families.' He added, 'Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate this kind of nonsense.'
Broader context of Black women's treatment
This incident is part of a pattern where Black women are masculinized in public discourse. Serena Williams has addressed online conspiracy theories that she was born a man, as has basketball player Brittney Griner. Recently, Wicked actor Cynthia Erivo said she felt her 'humanity had been bastardized' after internet jokes cast her as Ariana Grande's bodyguard. Erivo told Variety: 'I think that we haven't really come to terms with the insidious nature of how we view Black women.'
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