Michelle’s Brother Didn’t Think Relationship With Barack Would Last

Michelle Obama, meanwhile, responded to a surge of speculation about her marriage, stating unequivocally that recent personal decisions have nothing to do with her separation from the former president.

During an appearance on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast, the former first lady explained why she was withdrawing from certain public appearances, presenting them as purposeful choices for her well-being rather than signals of marital dysfunction.

“That’s the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with disappointing people. I mean, so much so that this year people were, you know, they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing,” Michelle said.

“That this couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?” she continued. Obama added, “That’s what society does to us.”

She clarified that women frequently feel pressure to defend their choices, especially when they don’t align with expectations.

Michelle Obama has dismissed rumors of marital trouble.