After a UFC fighter disgustingly dehumanized Michelle Obama at Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 event, Serena Williams’ hubby Alexis Ohanian reveals why he was even there to witness the blatantly bigoted moment. Unfortunately for him, social media doesn’t buy what he sells.
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According to PEOPLEthe Reddit co-founder has publicly denounced UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit’s comments during the June 14 event. They called the comments “despicable and inappropriate” after many social media users questioned his presence at the meeting.
In a post-fight interview following Hokit’s win over Derrick Lewis, an appearance with commentator Joe Rogan created a space for Hokit to praise President Donald Trump for hosting the event, before making a controversial statement about Obama that drew immediate criticism online.
“A lot of people are reaching out to me for comment: yes, that fighter’s slur about former First Lady Michelle Obama was mean and inappropriate,” Ohanian wrote on X.
The businessman also clarified that he attended the event as a guest of UFC leadership and was no longer present when the comments were made.
“I attended the UFC event via an invitation from TKO/IMG leadership (I own five professional sports teams + a league),” Ohanian wrote. “I was already on my way home when these comments were made and was happy to see Dana condemn them.”
As before reported, Hokit’s comments ended up in clips from the event that quickly spread online. Some attendees were heard laughing, while others seemed visibly uncomfortable.
According to CNN, Trump sat ringside during the exchange and appeared to flash a faint smile.
UFC president Dana White also criticized Hokit’s comments in a statement to TIME.
“I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I am absolutely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White said. “Everyone knows my position on freedom of speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense.”
The White House event drew more than 4,000 attendees, including lawmakers, media figures and senior government officials.
Forbes states that Ohanian’s response came after he was heavily criticized online for attending the event despite his previous public opposition to several Trump administration policies, including immigration initiatives and efforts focused on diversity programs.
Some critics argued that Ohanian’s presence was especially disappointing because his wife, Serena Williams, faced years of racist and sexist attacks that questioned her femininity and appearance.
Forbes also reports that Ohanian pointed to his past efforts to combat hate speech as evidence that the criticism does not reflect his values. The entrepreneur referred to his dismissal in 2020 from Reddit’s board during nationwide protests for racial justice following the death of George Floyd.
At the time, Ohanian urged Reddit to replace its board seat with a black candidate. His position was eventually filled by tech entrepreneur Michael Seibel.
Although Ohanian has made his stance on Hokit’s comments clear, pressure continues to mount on Trump to address the controversy head-on. Forbes states that the president has not publicly condemned the comments at this time.
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