THE AMERICA ONE NEWS
Jun 23, 2025  |  
0
 | Remer,MN
Sponsor:  QWIKET 
Sponsor:  QWIKET 
Sponsor:  QWIKET: Elevate your fantasy game! Interactive Sports Knowledge.
Sponsor:  QWIKET: Elevate your fantasy game! Interactive Sports Knowledge and Reasoning Support for Fantasy Sports and Betting Enthusiasts.
back  
topic
Huffington Post
HuffPost
9 Apr 2025


NextImg:Michelle Obama Speaks Out About Divorce Rumors, And You Can Tell She's Had Enough
LOADINGERROR LOADING

Michelle Obama was quite the multitaker on Wednesday’s episode of actor Sophia Bush’s podcast, “Work in Progress.”

At one point in her interview with the “One Tree Hill” star, the former first lady did double-duty by addressing divorce rumors while also making a valid point about unfair expectations placed on women.

Nearly nine minutes into the iLoveRadio podcast, Obama was in the midst of discussing how her life has changed now that her daughters — 26-year-old Malia and 23-year-old Sasha — have fled the nest, when she revealed her favorite part of being an empty nester.

Michelle Obama speaks onstage during a recording of the "IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson" podcast during the 2025 SXSW Conference And Festival on March 13 in Austin, Texas.
Michelle Obama speaks onstage during a recording of the "IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson" podcast during the 2025 SXSW Conference And Festival on March 13 in Austin, Texas.
Julia Beverly via Getty Images

“[Life] is whatever I want, Sophia, It’s whatever I want,” Obama, 61, responded in a sing-songy, euphoric voice. “It’s the first time in my life all of my choices are for me.”

Obama went on to explain how being a mother and a public figure limited her decision-making in the past — and that she constantly put her husband’s career and her kids’ needs before her own.

Now that this phase in life is over, Obama says she now only makes decisions based on her needs. But she also admitted that because she’s a woman, she initially struggled giving herself “freedom” to make decisions in her best self interest.

“The interesting thing is that, when I say ‘no,’ for the most part people are like, ‘I get it.’ And I’m OK,’” Obama said.

At this point, Obama’s tone noticeably shifts from friendly to stern while describing a recent example from her life in which she made a decision and it was perceived negatively by the public.

“That’s the thing that we as women, I think … we struggle with disappointing people. I mean, so much so, that this year people were … they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”

Michelle and former President Barack Obama on the second day of the Democratic National Convention in August 2024.
Michelle and former President Barack Obama on the second day of the Democratic National Convention in August 2024.
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU via Getty Images

Although Obama never clarified what decision she made that sparked the divorce rumors, her absence at President Trump’s inauguration and President Jimmy Carter’s funeral did garner enough speculation to make headlines — especially when her husband, former President Barack Obama attended both events.

In January, Vanity Fair also reported that the Obama-split rumors could be due to a story In Touch Weekly that claimed actor Jennifer Aniston was trying to steal Barack away from Michelle — although Aniston publicly debunked the rumor.

Enjoy HuffPost Entertainment — Ad Free

We're bringing you the exclusives, scoops and hot takes on the news all your friends are talking about. Join our loyalty program to support our work and go ad-free.

You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again. We won't back down from our mission of providing free, fair news during this critical moment. But we can't do it without you.

For the first time, we're offering an ad-free experience to qualifying contributors who support our fearless journalism. We hope you'll join us.

You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again. We won't back down from our mission of providing free, fair news during this critical moment. But we can't do it without you.

For the first time, we're offering an ad-free experience to qualifying contributors who support our fearless journalism. We hope you'll join us.

Support HuffPost

Due to these factors, Wednesday was by no means the first time the “Becoming” author has attempted to shut down the gossip mill in regards to her marriage.

On Valentine’s Day earlier this year, Michelle made it clear that she and her husband of over 30 years have no plans to break up any time soon.

“If there’s one person I can always count on, it’s you, @BarackObama,” she wrote. “You’re my rock. Always have been. Always will be. Happy Valentine’s Day, honey! ❤️”