Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian, who’s married to tennis legend Serena Williams, is weighing in on some controversial—and what many have referred to as racist—remarks that Final Combating Championship (UFC) fighter Josh Hokit made about former first woman Michelle Obama.
The athlete’s contentious, mean-spirited language has sparked main backlash throughout the internet and social media.
On Sunday, Hokit gained a high-profile UFC bout on the White House South Lawn to mark President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday—a part of America’s 250th anniversary festivities. (Protesters countered with a star-studded political live performance in New York Metropolis, which was broadcast nationwide through streaming watch events.)
In feedback to podcaster Joe Rogan after the struggle, Hokit mentioned: “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a person. Am I proper, America?” (The remarks had been principally met by boos and cheers, per CNN.)
Quickly after, UFC president and CEO Dana White condemned the fighter’s insults in opposition to the primary woman. “[The] Obamas are public figures, however I’m utterly in opposition to saying nasty and false issues about individuals’s households,” White told Time journal in a textual content message. “Everybody is aware of my place on free speech however I hate that sort of nonsense.”
Whereas President Trump has remained silent, Reddit’s cofounder is talking up.
“Lot of individuals asking me to remark: Sure, that fighter’s slur about former First Woman Michelle Obama was vile and inappropriate,” Ohanian responded on X. “I attended the UFC occasion through invitation from TKO/IMG management (I personal 5 professional sports activities groups + a league). I used to be already on my manner dwelling when these feedback had been made and was glad to see Dana condemn them.”
“For context: I resigned in protest from Reddit (the corporate I co-founded and constructed for over a decade) particularly to push it to curb communities for hate and violence on the location,” he added.
Additionally becoming a member of the refrain: former NFL star Robert Griffin III.
“Josh Hokit gained the most important struggle of his profession on the White Home and decides to complete his interview by calling Michelle Obama a Man. What a shame,” Griffin posted on X. “It takes a very small man to make use of his largest second to assault a lady by calling her a person. Particularly with the historical past behind calling black ladies males.”
Hokit, who is not any stranger to controversy, made the identical feedback concerning the first woman after beating Eric Lunsford in May 2025 fight.
