Michelle Obama Addresses Divorce Rumors and Her Newfound Independence
Michelle Obama has finally addressed the persistent rumors surrounding her relationship with former President Barack Obama, specifically the speculation about their supposed divorce.
It seems those rumors were completely unfounded.
Source: MARK RALSTON / Getty
In a recent appearance on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast, Michelle Obama opened up about her life since leaving the White House, shedding light on how much things have shifted for her.
Reflecting on her newfound freedom, Obama shared,
“It’s whatever I want. It’s the first time in my life that all my choices are for me.”
This was in response to a question about how her personal and social life has evolved.
She went on to explain that during her time as First Lady, her decisions were often dictated by her responsibilities, particularly towards her children and her husband, the president.
“I used to make excuses like, ‘I have to make sure the girls are OK, or my husband’s president, so I can’t do that,’”
she said.
But now, she emphasized, she no longer has to justify her choices.
“I can’t blame my decisions on anyone but myself,” she said.
“If I’m honest, I could have made these decisions years ago, but I didn’t give myself the freedom to do so.”
Obama also addressed how her newfound independence has led to public scrutiny, particularly when people assumed that she and Barack were divorcing.
“That’s the thing women often struggle with — the fear of disappointing others,”
she remarked.
“This year, people couldn’t even imagine that I was simply making choices for myself, so they jumped to conclusions about my marriage.”
She expressed frustration with society’s tendency to judge women who defy traditional expectations.
“This couldn’t be a woman just making decisions for herself, right?”
Obama said.
“But that’s what happens. When you start questioning what you’re doing and why, and if it doesn’t fit into the typical mold people expect, it gets labeled as something negative.”
