Alexis Ohanian criticized Josh Hokit’s slur about Michelle Obama, according to CR Today. The comment occurred during an event at the White House on June 14, where Ohanian attended in support of sports initiatives. He later faced backlash online for being present at the controversial UFC Freedom 250 event.
What happened
Ohanian was among over 4,000 attendees at the UFC Freedom 250 event held on June 14, marking President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. The event featured several fights, but a post-fight comment from heavyweight Josh Hokit about Michelle Obama drew significant criticism. Hokit remarked, “Lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”
Following the backlash from Hokit’s remark, Ohanian took to X to condemn the statement as “vile and inappropriate.” He clarified that he attended the event in his capacity as a sports owner and had already left before the comment was made, expressing approval of UFC CEO Dana White’s condemnation of the slur.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing discussions regarding respect and discrimination in sports and public discourse. With a history of advocating against body shaming and hate speech, Ohanian’s involvement in the event sparked a wider debate about accountability among public figures who support controversial platforms.
Background
On May 27, 2026, Serena Williams made her highly anticipated return to professional tennis at the Queen’s Club Championships in London, where Ohanian supported her alongside their daughters. However, after Williams and her partner withdrew from the tournament, Ohanian attended the UFC event shortly thereafter.
Ohanian has previously demonstrated his commitment to eradicating hate speech, resigning from Reddit in 2020 over the platform’s handling of violent communities. This context reinforces the significance of his reaction to Hokit’s comments.
What’s next
Serena Williams will continue her tennis campaign at the Berlin Tennis Open, where she has partnered with Karolina Muchova. Their first match is scheduled for June 17, 2026, against Erin Routliffe and Giuliana Olmos.
