Updated
Updated · CNN · Jun 15
Dana White Rebukes Josh Hokit’s Michelle Obama Slur as White House Stays Silent at Freedom 250
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jun 15

Dana White Rebukes Josh Hokit’s Michelle Obama Slur as White House Stays Silent at Freedom 250

3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jun 15

Summary

  • Dana White called Josh Hokit’s false remark about Michelle Obama “nasty and false” and “nonsense” after the fighter made it during a post-fight speech at Sunday’s White House UFC Freedom 250 event.
  • Hokit praised President Donald Trump for hosting the match, then said, “Michelle Obama is a man,” drawing a mix of cheers and boos as Trump was seen smiling briefly.
  • The White House declined to condemn the comment when pressed, with communications director Steven Cheung instead praising Hokit’s win; UFC did not say whether the fighter would face discipline.
  • Criticism spread beyond Democrats, with Fox News columnist David Marcus calling the outburst “utterly unacceptable” and saying the America 250 events he had defended were not unifying after all.
  • The episode adds to a broader pattern of attacks on the Obamas, including Trump’s earlier refusal to apologize for sharing and deleting a racist video targeting Barack and Michelle Obama.

Insights

How will the UFC balance athlete expression and brand safety after the controversial White House event?
What precedent does a $60M commercial sporting event set for the future use of the White House grounds?