Donald Trump has drawn significant censure from prominent US political commentators after a UFC fighter made a disparaging remark about Michelle Obama during a White House event. The incident occurred on Sunday at a spectacle hosted on the South Lawn, dubbed 'UFC Freedom 250', which was intended to commemorate America's approaching 250th anniversary and the former president's 80th birthday.
Following his victory against Derrick Lewis, fighter Josh Hokit, 28, used his post-match interview with podcaster Joe Rogan to declare, 'Michelle Obama is a man, am I right America?' Co-hosts of the popular ABC talk show 'The View' subsequently addressed the contentious moment, with Sunny Hostin, 57, leading the condemnation of both the comment and Mr Trump's reaction.
Hostin articulated that the slur had deep historical roots, stating, 'For a long time — and the roots are in slavery — Black women have been slurred and made to feel that they were unattractive, made to feel like they were masculine and that they didn’t have the femininity that a white woman would have.' She further highlighted the 'intersectionality between racism and sexism' evident in the incident, noting that the crowd laughed and Mr Trump 'smirked, and then never addressed what was said.' Hostin concluded that such a response was 'beneath the dignity of the Office of the President of the United States and the dignity of the American people.'
Fellow co-host Ana Navarro echoed these sentiments, suggesting the event did not represent 'America’s best values' and that Mr Trump holds a persistent 'obsession' with the Obamas. Navarro also indicated her intention to celebrate America's 250th anniversary by focusing on the opening of the Obama Center in Chicago and voting in the upcoming November elections to 'vote out the Republicans who are putting no accountability on this administration.'
The event itself saw thousands gather on the South Lawn for seven UFC matches. While several high-profile celebrities were rumoured to be invited, notable attendees included comedian Nate Bargatze, Mark Zuckerberg, and British boxer Tyson Fury. The White House has been contacted for comment regarding the incident.