In a recent podcast interview, Michelle Obama discussed rumors surrounding her marriage to Barack Obama, asserting her right to make personal choices without societal assumptions.
Michelle Obama Addresses Personal Choices Amid Divorce Speculations
Michelle Obama Addresses Personal Choices Amid Divorce Speculations
The former first lady opens up about making autonomous decisions and clarifies rumors of marital strife.
In a candid conversation on the podcast "Work in Progress," hosted by actress Sophia Bush, former First Lady Michelle Obama addressed recent divorce speculation regarding her marriage to former President Barack Obama. The rumors gained traction following her absence from significant public events in January, including President Trump’s inauguration and former President Jimmy Carter's funeral. While she attributed her absence at Mr. Carter's funeral to scheduling conflicts, the lack of an explanation for the inauguration led to rampant speculation.
In her remarks, Mrs. Obama emphasized her need to prioritize her personal choices, stating, “I chose to do what’s best for me, not what I had to do.” She expressed frustration that people assumed her decisions reflected marital discord rather than a personal journey of self-discovery. “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?” she remarked, pointing to societal expectations placed on women.
While Mrs. Obama did not delve deeply into the surrounding rumors or mention Trump by name, her sentiments reflected a broader commentary on autonomy. She stated, “Now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions of, ‘Who do I truly want to be every day?’ And that changes.” Her words served as a reminder that personal agency is paramount, especially after her time in the White House and as her daughters enter adulthood.
Throughout the roughly hour-long episode, she chose not to dwell on the speculation, focusing instead on the importance of making conscious decisions about her own life. “I learned that I can really only control me,” Mrs. Obama concluded, signaling her commitment to self-definition.
Claire Moses is a reporter at the Times in London, specializing in breaking and trending news.
