Josh Hokit is facing backlash after making an offensive remark about Michelle Obama during a White House UFC event, and UFC CEO Dana White says he disagrees with the remark.
The incident occurred on the South Lawn during UFC Freedom 250.
“Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” he said in his post-fight interview. The official UFC YouTube channel removed the final portion of the clip. White, who was seated near President Donald Trump at the event, responded Monday in a text message to Time magazine.
“I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White said. He added, “Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense.”
The UFC has not said whether Hokit will face discipline.
The White House declined to address the remark directly. Asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper about the incident, communications director Steven Cheung focused instead on Hokit’s win.
“He had a great win last night,” Cheung said. “He showed toughness and the ability to pressure his opponent both on his feet and on the ground.”
However, Fox News columnist David Marcus called the comment “utterly unacceptable,” while Dave Portnoy said on Wake Up Barstool that “Trump should denounce it.”
Hokit previously went viral for his pre-fight stunt, where he was seen vomiting onto his chest.