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The View co-host Sunny Hostin sharply criticized President Donald Trump after a UFC fighter made a controversial remark about former First Lady Michelle Obama during the White House Freedom 250 event. Hostin accused Trump of failing to condemn the comment and argued that the incident highlighted broader issues involving race and sexism.
A heated political and cultural debate erupted following President Donald Trump's Freedom 250 UFC event at the White House, where UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit made a controversial remark about former First Lady Michelle Obama after winning his fight.
Speaking with UFC commentator Joe Rogan on the White House lawn, Hokit declared, "Michelle Obama is a man! Am I right, America?" The comment immediately sparked backlash from critics and media personalities.
During Monday's episode of ABC's The View, co-host Sunny Hostin condemned both the remark and what she described as President Trump's reaction to it.
"I think the reason that it’s important is because, 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 that they were masculine, made to feel that they were — they didn’t have the femininity that a white woman would have."
Hostin argued that the incident reflected what she called an intersection of racism and sexism.
"There is this intersectionality between racism and sexism that was on full display at the White House."
She further criticized the crowd's reaction and accused Trump of failing to address the statement.
"The crowd laughed at the statement and the President of the United States smirked and never addressed what was said. That is beneath the dignity of the office of the President of the United States, and it’s beneath the dignity of the American people."
The Freedom 250 event was held to commemorate America's 250th anniversary while also celebrating President Trump's 80th birthday. The event featured UFC competition and drew significant public attention online.
Critics seized on the controversy surrounding Hokit's comment, while Trump supporters pushed back, arguing that media figures were overreacting and attempting to shift attention away from the event's patriotic theme.
Hostin's co-host Ana Navarro also criticized the event, saying she refused to watch the UFC broadcast and arguing that it did not reflect America's best values. Navarro further claimed that Trump remains focused on former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama years after they left office.
Neither President Trump nor Joe Rogan publicly commented on Hokit's remark following the event.
UFC President Dana White, however, addressed the controversy in comments to Time magazine.
"I understand that the Obama's are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families. Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense."
According to reports, White House spokesperson Steven Cheung did not directly address the controversy when questioned and instead focused on praising Hokit's performance at the event.
The incident has since become another flashpoint in the ongoing political battle between Trump supporters and media critics, with both sides interpreting the moment very differently.
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