STORY
The White House has faced criticism after a UFC event held on the South Lawn was overshadowed by a derogatory remark made about former First Lady Michelle Obama. The incident happened during UFC Freedom 250, an event staged at the White House as part of celebrations linked to President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The controversy followed heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit’s victory over Derrick Lewis, when he used his post-fight interview to praise Trump before making a baseless slur about Michelle Obama. The remark drew international criticism from media outlets and political opponents, with the event already facing scrutiny over the decision to stage a professional cage-fighting card at the White House. The same event also featured Justin Gaethje defeating Ilia Topuria to win the UFC lightweight title.
Reports said Trump was ringside during the interview, while neither the White House nor UFC officials immediately issued a public rebuke of the comment. The incident added to wider criticism of the event, which had been promoted by supporters as a patriotic spectacle but condemned by critics as an inappropriate use of the White House setting for a heavily politicised sporting event.