Hokit Slur Sparks Backlash

UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit turned a White House fight-night victory into a political firestorm when he used his post-fight interview after defeating Derrick Lewis at “UFC Freedom 250” to falsely call former first lady Michelle Obama “a man.” The slur, delivered at an event hosted by President Donald Trump for his 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, drew condemnation from UFC chief Dana White, who called the comment “nasty and false” and said he was “completely against” attacks on public figures’ families. The White House did not issue a similar denunciation, and Trump’s visible reaction and later praise for winners at the event fueled criticism from former aides, commentators and public figures including Dave Portnoy. The episode revived scrutiny of years of racist, sexist and conspiratorial attacks directed at Michelle Obama and highlighted how a celebratory sports spectacle became a flashpoint in the culture war.