Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama has addressed swirling rumours about her marriage to Barack Obama, firmly debunking claims of a split.
In a candid conversation with Hollywood actress Sophia Bush on the Work in Progress podcast, the 61-year-old author and attorney explained her absence from both President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s inauguration. Her decision, she said, was simply a personal one.
Speculations of a divorce gained momentum after her noticeable absence from these key events. Barack Obama’s own remark about being in a “deep deficit” with his wife further stirred public curiosity.
Michelle, however, clarified that many interpreted her personal choices as signs of marital trouble — a reaction she believes stems from societal expectations placed on women.
“That’s the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with: disappointing people,” she said. “People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself… they had to assume my husband and I are divorcing.”
She continued, “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? That’s what society does to us.”
Challenging gender norms, Michelle spoke on how women often feel the pressure to conform. “We start actually, finally going, ‘What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?’ And if it doesn’t fit the stereotype, it’s seen as negative or horrible.”
As she embraces a new chapter at 61, Michelle Obama declared her future will look “like whatever I want it to look like.”
Michelle and Barack Obama tied the knot on October 3, 1992, and share two daughters: Malia and Sasha Obama.
Story by Obaapa Janee/ahotoronline.com
Source: Pulse.ng
