Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian, who is married to tennis legend Serena Williams, is weighing in on some controversial—and what many have called racist—remarks that Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Josh Hokit made about former first lady Michelle Obama.
The athlete’s contentious, mean-spirited language has sparked major backlash across the internet and social media.
On Sunday, Hokit won a high-profile UFC bout on the White House South Lawn to mark President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday—part of America’s 250th anniversary festivities. (Protesters countered with a star-studded political concert in New York City, which was broadcast nationwide via streaming watch parties.)
In comments to podcaster Joe Rogan after the fight, Hokit said: “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” (The remarks were mostly met by boos and cheers, per CNN.)
Soon after, UFC president and CEO Dana White condemned the fighter’s insults against the first lady. “[The] Obamas are public figures, but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White told Time magazine in a text message. “Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense.”
While President Trump has remained silent, Reddit’s cofounder is speaking up.
“Lot of people asking me to comment: Yes, that fighter’s slur about former First Lady Michelle Obama was vile and inappropriate,” Ohanian responded on X. “I attended the UFC event via invitation from TKO/IMG leadership (I own 5 pro sports teams + a league). I was already on my way home when those comments were made and was glad to see Dana condemn them.”
“For context: I resigned in protest from Reddit (the company I co-founded and built for over a decade) specifically to push it to curb communities for hate and violence on the site,” he added.
Also joining the chorus: former NFL star Robert Griffin III.
“Josh Hokit won the biggest fight of his career at the White House and decides to finish his interview by calling Michelle Obama a Man. What a disgrace,” Griffin posted on X. “It takes a really small man to use his biggest moment to attack a woman by calling her a man. Especially with the history behind calling black women men.”
Hokit, who is no stranger to controversy, made the same comments about the first lady after beating Eric Lunsford in May 2025 fight.