Former First Lady Michelle Obama found herself at the center of online criticism following candid remarks about her husband’s eating habits during her popular podcast “IMO.” The 61-year-old host, who co-hosts the show with her brother Craig Robinson, made the comments during an October 1 interview with renowned psychoanalyst Dr. Orna Guralnik.
The episode featured Dr. Guralnik, best known for hosting the series “Couples Therapy,” discussing the complexities of long-term relationships. The conversation touched on various aspects of marriage, including the transition to parenthood, managing jealousy, and maintaining healthy partnerships over time.
During their discussion about honest communication in relationships, Obama shared a relatable moment that many married couples might recognize. The conversation turned to those instances when partners ask what you’re thinking, prompting a frank admission from the former first lady.
“Because how many times does somebody ask, ‘What are you thinking about?’ And you’re like, ‘Well, let me make up a thing,'” Obama explained during the episode. “Because I don’t actually want to tell you what I was thinking about, which is like, ‘The way you’re chewing makes me want to smack you upside the head.'”
The retired attorney delivered her comments in a clearly joking manner, even elaborating with humor about her family’s shared pet peeve. “The girls and I are very irritated with the way Barack chews,” she added, referencing daughters Malia and Sasha.
While many listeners appreciated the authenticity and humor in Obama’s remarks, finding them relatable to their own long-term relationships, others interpreted the comments more critically. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, became forums for debate about whether the former First Lady complains too frequently about her marriage to the 44th president.
The backlash comes amid persistent speculation about the Obamas’ relationship, particularly after Michelle’s absence from certain public events following Donald Trump’s re-election to a second presidential term. Despite the couple’s 33-year marriage and their consistent efforts to dispel divorce rumors, some critics remain unconvinced.
Social media users expressed varying degrees of frustration with Obama’s candid approach to discussing her marriage. “She complains about him constantly,” one Instagram user wrote. “It’s getting old.”
Others went further in their criticism, with commenters suggesting deeper marital discord despite the couple’s public denials of any separation. “I’ve actually never heard her say one nice thing about him,” another user commented. “She sounds miserable.”
Additional critics labeled the mother of two as “privileged and ungrateful,” while others claimed she “complains about everything, not just him.”
The controversy highlights the challenging position public figures face when trying to balance authenticity with public expectations. Obama’s attempt to present a realistic portrayal of long-term marriage—complete with minor irritations and everyday frustrations—has been met with mixed reactions from an audience that appears divided between those who appreciate her honesty and those who prefer a more polished public image.
The Obamas have consistently maintained that their marriage remains strong, despite occasional public discussions of the normal challenges that come with any long-term partnership. The couple has been married since 1992 and has navigated the intense scrutiny that comes with eight years in the White House.
Whether this latest round of criticism will influence how Obama discusses her personal life on future podcast episodes remains to be seen. For now, the debate continues online about where the line should be drawn between relatable honesty and what some perceive as excessive complaints about one of America’s most high-profile marriages.
