Dana White has publicly distanced the UFC from Josh Hokit’s Michelle Obama remark, calling it “nasty and false” and saying he “hates that type of nonsense.” The comment got here after Hokit beat Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 on the White Home, the place he ended his post-fight interview by saying, “Michelle Obama is a person. Am I proper, America?”
The episode rapidly shifted from a fight-night aspect be aware to a political flashpoint. Widespread reporting from numerous information organizations says the remark drew backlash throughout the political spectrum, whereas the White Home didn’t problem a direct condemnation when requested about it.
Dana White Takes a Arduous Line After Josh Hokit’s Michelle Obama Remark
White’s feedback have been delivered in a textual content message to Time, the place he said, “I perceive that the Obama’s are public figures however I’m fully in opposition to saying nasty and false issues about folks’s households. Everybody is aware of my place on free speech however I hate that type of nonsense.” He didn’t say whether or not Hokit would face self-discipline.
White has often stored a large berth from fighter feedback after the bout, particularly after they drift into politics or private assaults. Right here, he made a clear break from the remark somewhat than attempting to melt it or fold it into the UFC’s typical “something can occur” posture.
Hokit’s feedback got here after a second-round knockout win over Derrick Lewis on the White Home South Garden, which was a part of UFC Freedom 250. The bout ended with Hokit stopping Lewis in spherical two, and the White House occasion featured seven fights on the cardboard.
The setting gave the second an even bigger viewers than a typical post-fight interview. CNN reported that President Donald Trump was seen smiling briefly after the remark, whereas some famous that some within the crowd laughed and others booed.
The backlash was not restricted to UFC or MMA circles. Information websites reported criticism from political figures, media personalities and even some Trump allies, together with Barstool founder Dave Portnoy, who mentioned the remark ought to have been denounced instantly.
Shannon Sharpe additionally criticized the comment on Nightcap, whereas Fox Information columnist David Marcus referred to as it unacceptable. The Guardian and CNN each famous that the White Home response, by communications director Steven Cheung, centered on Hokit’s efficiency somewhat than the insult itself.
A number of retailers identified that the remark landed otherwise as a result of it was made on the White Home throughout a politically charged occasion tied to America’s 250th anniversary. Others reported that Donald Trump had beforehand shared a racist video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes earlier than deleting it, which helped clarify why this new insult drew instant consideration and was framed by critics as a part of an extended sample.
Hokit has additionally constructed a fame as a wierd, attention-seeking determine who appears decided to push buttons every time he will get a microphone. His Michelle Obama remark was not an remoted case, both, he has made related remarks about Brittney Griner prior to now.
For the UFC, White’s assertion is the clearest sign thus far that the corporate doesn’t need the comment hooked up to its model. However the promotion has not mentioned whether or not Hokit will probably be fined, suspended or warned, and that silence leaves the following step unclear.
