Overview
- The Trump administration staged the UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn on Sunday, June 14, an event NME reported as the first professional sporting contest held at the White House.
- UFC winner Josh Hokit ended a post-match interview by saying, “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man,” a comment that outlets and Crow described as vile and racist.
- Sheryl Crow posted on Instagram Stories on June 16 to call the event “disgraceful and void of decency,” and to accuse the administration of corruption and of ignoring Americans who cannot afford healthcare and rising costs.
- Reporters also noted a politically charged atmosphere on the lawn, with some spectators heard chanting phrases such as “Canada is the 51st state,” which added to criticism of the event's tone and staging.
- Crow’s rebuke follows her pattern of public opposition to the president and could sharpen debate over the use of the White House for theatrical political events, prompt further media scrutiny, and increase calls for an official response from the administration.