Michelle Obama Addresses Divorce Rumors with Empowering Message

In a candid discussion, Michelle Obama shares her perspective on marriage and personal decision-making amid swirling divorce rumors regarding her relationship with Barack Obama.

Michelle Obama has publicly addressed ongoing rumors surrounding her marriage to former President Barack Obama, dismissing speculation that their relationship is faltering. The rumors intensified when Michelle did not attend several significant events with her husband, including Donald Trump’s inauguration and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. Michelle tackled these assumptions during an appearance on the Work in Progress podcast, hosted by actress Sophia Bush, where she noted the importance of making her own choices as a "grown woman."

In her remarks, Michelle lamented how society struggles to believe that women, like herself, can make decisions independently, often jumping to conclusions like divorce when they exercise personal choice. “People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself; they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing,” she stated. She expressed that the weight of societal expectations often leads women to feel guilty for prioritizing their own needs over those of others, commenting, “That’s the thing that we as women, I think, struggle with—like disappointing people.”

Despite stepping back from certain obligations, she emphasized her continued commitment to her advocacy work, particularly around girls' education. Reflecting on her absence from significant political events, Michelle pointed out that her choices were aligned with what was best for her rather than what others might expect.

The Obamas celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary last October. Michelle has been open about the challenges within her marriage throughout Barack's presidency in her memoir, Becoming, which detailed their struggles and triumphs together.