Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian called a UFC fighter’s comment about Michelle Obama “vile and inappropriate,” after Josh Hokit made the remark following a bout won on the White House South Lawn to mark Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. Dana White also condemned t
The morning after a high-profile UFC win on the White House South Lawn, the controversy didn’t fade—it traveled straight into the social media cycle.
Josh Hokit won a bout on Sunday at the White House South Lawn. tying the event to President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Protesters, meanwhile, countered with a star-studded political concert in New York City, paired with nationwide streaming watch parties.
After the fight, Hokit turned to comments in an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan. He said: “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” The remarks were met with boos and cheers.
UFC president and CEO Dana White quickly stepped in. White condemned the comment’s attack on a public figure. saying. “[The] Obama’s are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families. ” adding. “Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense.”.
President Donald Trump has remained silent.
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who is married to tennis legend Serena Williams, then put his name on the backlash. Posting on X, Ohanian wrote: “Lot of people asking me to comment: Yes, that fighter’s slur about former First Lady Michelle Obama was vile and inappropriate.”
Ohanian said he attended the UFC event by invitation from TKO/IMG leadership, noting: “I own 5 pro sports teams + a league.” He added that he was already on his way home when the comments were made, and “was glad to see Dana condemn them.”
He also tied his response to his own past actions inside the tech and online communities space: “For context: I resigned in protest from Reddit (the company I co-founded and built for over a decade) specifically to push it to curb communities for hate and violence on the site.”
Robert Griffin, a former NFL star, joined the condemnation as well. On X. Griffin posted: “Josh Hokit won the biggest fight of his career at the White House and decides to finish his interview by calling Michelle Obama a Man. What a disgrace. ” then added: “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.”.
The UFC fighter’s choice of words did not come as a surprise to those tracking his history. Hokit previously made the same comments about the first lady after beating Eric Lunsford in a May 2025 fight.
The chain of events—Hokit’s comment, Dana White’s direct rebuke, and Ohanian’s refusal to let the moment pass—shows how quickly a sporting night can turn into an identity and speech fight online, with consequences that extend beyond the cage.
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian Michelle Obama Josh Hokit UFC Dana White Donald Trump White House South Lawn Robert Griffin Serena Williams free speech backlash