Civil rights attorney flags anti-black misogyny after UFC fighter targets Michelle Obama

Lee Merritt, a prominent civil rights attorney, came out in staunch defense of former First Lady Michelle Obama after UFC fighter Josh Hokit called her "a man" during the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 at the White House on President Donald Trump's 80th birthday. The 43-year-old, known for his work on racial justice, reminded his followers that attacks on Michelle Obama's femininity were not isolated jokes but part of a recurring pattern of anti-Black misogyny that America has long refused to hold "accountable."

Merritt rallied behind Obama as the "standard" Black people look up to, writing: "She has always been the standard." His sentiments were echoed by former National Football League quarterback Robert Griffin III, who called Hokit a "disgrace," adding that "it takes a really small man to use his biggest moment to attack a woman by calling her a man—especially given the history behind calling Black women men."

The condemnation from both men also puts public pressure on President Donald Trump, who has yet to condemn the remarks. When pressed by CNN's Jake Tapper to condemn Hokit's comments, White House spokesperson Steven Cheung sidestepped the question entirely, saying: "He had a great win last night. He showed toughness and the ability to pressure his opponent both on his feet and on the ground." The deflection stood in sharp contrast to criticism from conservatives, including former White House deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who voted for Trump in 2024, both of whom denounced the remarks.

In fact, Matthews pointed out that the President had previously shown a willingness to push back against similar attacks, citing his past defense of French First Lady Brigitte Macron and conservative commentator Candace Owens against similar claims. "It makes you wonder what the difference is between those two women in his eyes," she said, adding that expecting Trump to say or do the right thing is useless and disappointing.

Dave Portnoy said that such remarks need to be condemned immediately, especially if they were made at an event on the White House South lawn. "I don't care what you think about the Obamas or anything. I have no problem with the event. Trump should denounce it," he said. It must be noted that the Obamas are regularly subjected to racist abuse, with Trump himself having reposted a video clip on Truth Social that depicted the couple as apes, then deleted it after backlash.