Michelle Obama is facing backlash after claiming journalists focused more on her clothes than her words during her time as First Lady on a new episode of her podcast, with critics accusing her of being hypocritical because she recently released a fashion book celebrating her most iconic looks.
The former First Lady, 62, lived in the White House from 2009 to 2017 while her husband, former President Barack Obama, served two terms in office. During that time, her fashion choices frequently made headlines; from wearing affordable brands like J.Crew to championing designers such as Jason Wu, Michelle’s wardrobe became a major focus, earning her three Vogue covers and a reputation as one of the most influential First Lady fashion figures of her generation.
However, the IMO podcast host has previously said she found the attention surrounding her outfits frustrating because she wanted the focus to remain on her work and advocacy. And her latest comments have sparked debate online, with many people arguing that the world has long been fascinated with what First Ladies wear.
Critics pointed to the likes of current First Lady Melania Trump and the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, whose wardrobes have been heavily analyzed, while others accused Obama of being hypocritical because she recently released her first fashion-focused book, The Look, which features photographs and stories behind some of her most memorable outfits.
Michelle Obama Talks About The Media’s Obsession With Her Outfits
During a new episode of the IMO podcast, recorded at the Essence Festival, the former First Lady sat down with Keke Palmer for what was described as an “unforgettable conversation about style, identity, purpose and the power of defining yourself on your own terms.”
As the conversation turned to her years in politics, the mom-of-two reflected on how media coverage often focused on her wardrobe instead of the message she was trying to deliver.
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Talking about how the attention surrounding her wardrobe quickly became a pattern, Obama said: “And some of those first articles, they would always start, ‘She was wearing a purple sheath, and she had on this pair of shoes.’ It wouldn’t matter what I said, Keke. The article would start with what I had on. And I realized, ‘Oh, this is how they do women in politics.'”
The Becoming author argued that discussions about her appearance frequently overshadowed the speeches she worked hard to deliver. “This is how we treat women in public life. We diminish them to just what they look like and not what I’m saying,” she said.
“Now, I’m giving him passionate speeches. I think people know now that I can give a speech. That wasn’t just that. Didn’t just start happening; I was always really good on the campaign trail. I was always a powerful orator,” Obama added.
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Social Media Accuses Michelle Obama Of Being 'Hypocritical'
Many social media users were unconvinced by Obama's comments, with some calling her "insufferable" and "hypocritical," particularly because of her well-known interest in fashion and the recent release of her fashion book. Others argued that she frequently criticizes aspects of her time in the White House despite her success and influence, which they also deemed out of touch.
"Never before has a multimillionaire who owns Martha's Vineyard beachfront property and served two terms as First Lady complained so much. Michelle Obama is insufferable," slammed one X user.
"Huh? She brought out a book about her greatest fashion looks," wrote a second. "Didn't she publish an entire book with pictures of her outfits? This woman does nothing but complain," echoed a third. "You would have thought that she would turn down one of the three Vogue covers she's been on if it was that insulting," quipped a fourth.
"She would complain about anything. If you handed her a million dollars she would complain it wasn't a million and one. She's ungrateful," claimed a fifth. "She sure does complain a lot," agreed a sixth. "Oh, come on. If a woman dresses like this, she wants to be noticed for her clothes," noted a seventh.
An eighth added: "This might be a long shot, but are there any clips or quotes of her saying literally anything positive about her time in the White House? Or even just anything positive in general?"
