Michelle Obama has broken her silence in response to the latest round of divorce rumors swirling around her and her husband, former President Barack Obama. The former First Lady, 61, was candid during a recent appearance at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, addressing the negative gossip and speculation that has continued to surround her marriage.
Throughout her conversation at the live taping of her podcast, “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson,” Michelle opened up about how she and Barack, 60, have managed to stay grounded and focused on their family despite the barrage of rumors and negativity that often come their way.
Her remarks come at a time when the couple is facing unfounded speculation regarding the state of their relationship.
“We are still happy,” Michelle declared firmly, as she took a moment to reassure fans and the public that their bond remains strong. She explained that while the couple has weathered many storms over the years, it is their unwavering commitment to one another and their family that keeps them going.
During the SXSW event, Michelle was asked how she and Barack had managed to stay hopeful throughout their time in the White House, and even beyond it. “People always ask me and Barack, how did we stay hopeful, not just during the eight years we were in the White House, but beyond?” Michelle said, reflecting on the pressures they’ve faced. “Because, let me tell you, there was a lot of negative energy flipping our way—lots of rumors, a lot of gossip, a lot of questions about my husband’s background… We weren’t patriotic, they said he didn’t get into Harvard.”
She continued, adding that it was crucial for the couple to rise above the noise and not be consumed by it. According to Michelle, the key to their resilience has been the ability to block out harmful distractions.
“What kept us sane—and we’ve tried to instill this in our daughters—is you cannot live through social media,” Michelle said. “Don’t let that negative energy enter into your space. These are people who don’t know you. A lot of this stuff is made up, and it does not feed you.”
Michelle has been an advocate for protecting mental health and staying true to one’s values in the face of public scrutiny. In her podcast, she stressed the importance of not allowing social media to dictate one’s sense of self-worth or happiness.
“That doesn’t mean you don’t stay informed,” Michelle clarified. “But staying informed has nothing to do with the comment section. It has everything to do with the content of the stories that you take in.”
Barack and Michelle have been in the public eye for decades, and they have long been role models for handling both political and personal challenges with grace and dignity. However, as the couple continues to navigate their post-presidential life, they have faced persistent rumors about their relationship.
Earlier this month, the former president was seen attending several events alone, which led to unfounded speculation regarding a potential divorce. Despite the rumors, both Michelle and Barack have remained steadfast in their commitment to one another.
As Michelle emphasized in her recent remarks, rumors like these are nothing new for the couple. Over the years, they have both dealt with various forms of public scrutiny, including questions about their relationship, their parenting, and their political beliefs.
But through it all, Michelle believes that their shared values and dedication to each other have been their guiding lights.
“The important thing is that we know who we are,” Michelle shared. “We know what we stand for. And we know the love we have for each other and for our family. That’s what matters. The rest is just noise.”
Michelle also took the opportunity to reflect on the challenges of raising daughters, Malia and Sasha, in the public eye. She explained that she and Barack have always prioritized their children's well-being, teaching them not to be swayed by public opinion or online criticism.
“We’ve tried to instill in our girls that the world outside can be loud and judgmental, but what’s inside, what’s at your core, is what’s most important,” Michelle said.
In addition to addressing the rumors, Michelle shared some of the lessons she’s learned over the years, including the importance of resilience and the need to protect one’s mental and emotional space. For her, staying focused on what truly matters—family, love, and personal integrity—has been the key to maintaining balance amid the chaos of public life.
As Michelle continues to rise above the gossip and remain strong in the face of adversity, she offers a powerful reminder to her audience: don’t let negativity dictate your happiness. She believes that staying grounded in love and focusing on the positive aspects of life are essential for staying sane in a world full of distractions and harmful energy.
Despite the ongoing rumors and speculation about their relationship, Michelle Obama’s words are a testament to the strength of her bond with Barack Obama. Together, they continue to stand strong, remaining united in their commitment to one another and their family.
