'Dude who puked on himself live on TV': Melanie Stansbury claps back at Josh Hokit's Obama insult

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury slammed UFC fighter Josh Hokit after he directed an insult at former First Lady Michelle Obama, claiming that she was not a woman. Taking to X, Stansbury pointed out a moment from the weigh-in leading up to the White House event, in which he was seen spitting on himself. "The dude who puked on himself live on TV during his weigh-in, is hurling insults at the former First Lady now?" Stansbury wrote on X.

During his weigh-in, Hokit acknowledged that he had been drinking the night before as he swayed his way to the stage. The alcohol did not seem to affect his performance on Sunday as he managed to beat Derrick Lewis via TKO in round 2. After his victory, Hokit handed his personal gold fight chain and championship medallion to the President. "Hey, shout out to Trump for having the b***s to put some s**t like this on!" he said.

"And if I'm going to say anything, there’s only one person more incredible than the Incredible Hulk, and that’s my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," he continued, adding, "And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man." UFC boss Dana White criticised Hokit's comments. "I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I'm completely against saying nasty and false things about people's families," he said, as per a Variety report.

“Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense," White added. Hokit's comments were also criticised by former  NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III. "What a disgrace," he wrote. "It takes a really small man to use his biggest moment to attack a woman by calling her a man. Especially with the history behind calling black women men."

White House communications director Steven Cheung, however, did not address the MMA fighter's comment about Michelle Obama. Instead, Cheung praised the athlete for his performance and hoped the best for him in the future. "He showed toughness and the ability to pressure his opponent both on his feet and on the ground. He'll definitely move up in the heavyweight rankings," he said as per a report in The Washington Post.

Rep. Brandon Hill defended Hokit's comment, calling it "hilarious." Not everyone took shots at the President's political rivals at the event. Justin Gaethje, a lightweight fighter, expressed gratitude after winning his match. "To all the current, former, and future military service members, I thank you so much," he said, as per Time Magazine. "Thank you to all the first responders, the police officers, firefighters, ambulance, EMTs. You guys have no idea how grateful I am. For as long as I am able to, I will use my name to make money and support you guys."