Portnoy urges – Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is calling on President Donald Trump to publicly condemn a UFC fighter after the fighter made a racist and transphobic comment about former first lady Michelle Obama during the White House’s UFC Freedom 250 event on Sunday
For Dave Portnoy, the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House wasn’t a problem—until one moment during Sunday night’s post-fight exchange.
Portnoy says President Donald Trump has to step in and denounce a UFC fighter who publicly insulted former first lady Michelle Obama during the event on Sunday evening. On Monday. Portnoy said on “Wake Up Barstool” on FS1 that he believes “there was one moment I do think Trump has to denounce. and anybody associated with it has to denounce.” He added. “And that’s that crazy fighter guy… he won the fight. he took the microphone. and he made a derogatory comment about Michelle Obama.”.
Portnoy’s argument is tied to the White House connection: he said Trump’s own idea to host the event—marking America’s 250th birthday and also Trump’s 80th birthday—means Trump has a particular responsibility when the night turns ugly.
“I don’t care what you think about the Obamas or anything; that has to be an immediate denounce. ” Portnoy continued. “I have no problem with the event. I guess you run that risk, because these [UFC] guys are lunatics. But that was the only thing, Trump should denounce it [and] he should say that was totally wrong.”.
The incident Portnoy pointed to happened at the White House on Sunday when Hokit grabbed the microphone during his post-match interview with commentator Joe Rogan. Smiling, Hokit blurted out, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” Portnoy described it as derogatory; others have characterized it as racist and transphobic.
Rogan smiled as the remark landed, and Portnoy’s complaint centers on what happens next—especially since Trump, the host of the event, has not publicly condemned the comment. Portnoy said Trump reportedly smirked during the exchange, but he stressed that condemnation is still necessary.
UFC head Dana White, however, did publicly criticize the fighter’s behavior. In a text message to Time magazine. White wrote that he understands the Obamas are public figures but said he is “completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families.” White also added. “Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense.”.
Inside the White House, the response appeared less pointed. White House spokesperson Steven Cheung ignored a question about the insult and instead celebrated Hokit’s win. according to Jake Tapper. who said Cheung did not address the remark. Trump, meanwhile, has not yet publicly condemned the comment.
The clash is now drawing attention not just for the words spoken at a celebrated White House event, but for the different kinds of accountability that followed—one executive condemning the “nasty and false” remarks, and another official refusing to engage the insult itself.
MISRYOUM Politics Dave Portnoy Donald Trump Michelle Obama UFC Freedom 250 UFC Dana White Steven Cheung Joe Rogan Hokit
Why does Portnoy care so much lol
I mean if Trump hosted it then yeah he should say something, otherwise it looks like he’s cool with it. People act like the White House is just a “vibes” place now.
Wait so the fighter said Michelle Obama is a man?? I thought transphobia was like a whole different thing but whatever. Also how is this UFC’s fault if it happened at the White House… seems like everyone should just chill. Joe Rogan smiling made it worse though, like he thought it was funny.
This whole thing is just another example of “freedom” meaning nobody gets held accountable. Trump denounce it, ok, but I bet nothing changes and Dave Portnoy will keep yelling into the void. Also I don’t even know who Hokit is, I’m just seeing headlines and getting annoyed. Michelle Obama being disrespected is not okay, even if people wanna argue about what someone said.