Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and husband to tennis champion Serena Williams, has recently weighed in on a controversial incident involving a UFC fighter and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Ohanian took to social media to express his disapproval of derogatory comments made by UFC fighter Josh Hokit during the UFC Freedom 250 event, which took place at the White House.
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The entrepreneur, who is a father to two daughters, felt it important to clarify his presence at the event amid the backlash surrounding Hokit’s statements. In a post on social media platform X, Ohanian, aged 43, stated, “Lot of people asking me to comment: Yes, that fighter’s slur about former First Lady Michelle Obama was vile and inappropriate.”
He further explained that his attendance was by invitation from TKO/IMG leadership, adding, “I was already on my way home when those comments were made and was glad to see Dana White condemn them.” Dana White serves as the president and CEO of the UFC, and it appears his condemnation of the fighter’s comments provided some reassurance to Ohanian.
Ohanian did not stop at merely denouncing the comments; he provided additional context to his values and principles. He highlighted his resignation from Reddit as a significant step he took to address issues of hate and violence on the platform. “I resigned in protest from Reddit specifically to push it to curb communities for hate and violence on the site,” he concluded, reinforcing his commitment to social responsibility.
The troubling comments from Hokit occurred on June 14, shortly after he secured a win against Derrick Lewis in the Octagon. During a post-fight interview conducted by podcaster Joe Rogan, Hokit made a controversial remark regarding Michelle Obama, stating, “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” This outburst drew varying responses from the crowd present, including notable figures such as President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
Despite the heated nature of the incident, reports indicated that President Trump displayed a seemingly positive reaction to Hokit’s comment, having accepted a handshake and chain from the fighter. This unexpected response raised eyebrows and sparked discussions surrounding the appropriateness of such remarks in a public arena.
Ohanian’s condemnation of the incident and his subsequent comments about his own ethical stance resonate with his broader commitment to advocating for women’s rights and equality. Among his various ventures, he has founded Athlos, an all-women’s track and field event series that aims to empower female athletes.
His dedication to bolstering women’s sports was formally acknowledged in December 2025 when he received a TIME100 Impact award. Reflecting on this recognition, Ohanian expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you, @TIME for recognizing that building real progress in women’s sports is a legacy worth being known for. It’s one I want my daughters to grow up with – proof that when the world stops underestimating women, anything can happen.”
Through his remarks and initiatives, Alexis Ohanian stands as a figure seeking to foster inclusivity and respect. In light of the controversy generated at the UFC Freedom 250 event, his response not only addresses the specific comments made about Michelle Obama but also aligns with a much larger conversation about the role of respect and equality in sports and society as a whole.
As public figures continue to engage in discussions surrounding sensitive topics such as this, it is crucial to hold space for diverse opinions while firmly rejecting harmful stereotypes and derogatory language. Ohanian’s proactive stance serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with influence and the ongoing work needed to create a more respectful and inclusive environment for all.