After a UFC fighter disgustingly dehumanized Michelle Obama at Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 occasion, Serena Williams’ hubby Alexis Ohanian is revealing why he was even in attendance to witness the blatantly bigoted second. Sadly for him, social media isn’t shopping for what he’s promoting.
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In keeping with PEOPLE, the Reddit co-founder publicly denounced feedback made by UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit throughout the June 14 occasion. They known as the remarks “vile and inappropriate” after many social media customers questioned his presence on the gathering.
In a post-fight interview following Hokit’s victory over Derrick Lewis, an look with commentator Joe Rogan created an area for Hokit to reward President Donald Trump for internet hosting the occasion earlier than making a controversial assertion about Obama that drew fast criticism on-line.
“Lots of people are asking me to remark: Sure, that fighter’s slur about former First Girl Michelle Obama was vile and inappropriate,” Ohanian wrote on X.
The businessman additionally clarified that he attended the occasion as a visitor of UFC management and was not current when the feedback had been made.
“I attended the UFC occasion through invitation from TKO/IMG management (I personal 5 professional sports activities groups + a league),” Ohanian wrote. “I used to be already on my manner dwelling when these feedback had been made and was glad to see Dana condemn them.”
As beforehand reported, Hokit’s feedback made it in clips from the occasion that rapidly unfold on-line. Some attendees may very well be heard laughing whereas others appeared visibly uncomfortable.
In keeping with CNN, Trump was seated ringside throughout the alternate and appeared to indicate what the outlet described as a faint smile.
UFC President Dana White additionally criticized Hokit’s remarks in a press release supplied to TIME.
“I perceive that the Obamas are public figures, however I’m fully in opposition to saying nasty and false issues about folks’s households,” White stated. “Everybody is aware of my place on free speech, however I hate that form of nonsense.”
The White Home occasion drew greater than 4,000 attendees, together with lawmakers, media figures and senior authorities officers.
Forbes states that Ohanian’s response got here after he was closely criticized on-line for attending the occasion regardless of his earlier public opposition to a number of Trump administration insurance policies, together with immigration initiatives and efforts concentrating on range applications.
Some critics argued that Ohanian’s attendance was particularly disappointing as a result of his spouse, Serena Williams, has confronted years of racist and sexist assaults questioning her femininity and look.
Forbes additionally studies that Ohanian pointed to his previous efforts to fight hate speech as proof that the criticism doesn’t mirror his values. The entrepreneur referenced his 2020 resignation from Reddit’s board throughout nationwide racial justice protests following the loss of life of George Floyd.
On the time, Ohanian urged Reddit to switch his board seat with a Black candidate. His place was in the end crammed by tech entrepreneur Michael Seibel.
Whereas Ohanian has made his place on Hokit’s remarks clear, strain continues to mount on Trump to deal with the controversy straight. Forbes states the president has not publicly condemned the feedback at the moment.
