Mixed martial artist Josh Hokit offered a brazen non-apology while discussing his controversial comments about former first lady Michelle Obama at the White House's UFC Freedom 250 event earlier this month. During an interview with sports journalist Ariel Helwani, Hokit smirked and said, "I thought I was giving her a compliment."
Hokit Doubles Down on Remarks
When Helwani noted that no one interpreted his remarks that way, Hokit doubled down, stating, "Michelle Obama being a man... It's like, she knows how to deal with adversity. She knows how to work hard like a man when the times get tough." Asked why the former first lady came to mind right after his heavyweight bout victory, Hokit immediately undermined his first point.
"I thought it was a perfect opportunity to show the world how great this country is with freedom of speech," he began to ramble. "You go somewhere [else] and you say something like that and you die. And I'm not suicidal, by the way. I'm in good spirits. I'm a little under the weather right now, but other than that, I'm good."
Hokit Invokes Free Speech Defense
Hokit continued, "And so in other parts of the world, you say something like that, and you're not here to speak to Ariel Helwani, you know. So yeah, I don't know there's a ways... there's a few answers to that. There's a certain side that pokes at another side, and there's no outrage there, and so I thought it was a perfect time to take a jab." When asked if he had any regrets, the fighter returned to unapologetic mode, telling his host, "You'll never hear me backtrack from what I say."
Hokit, who called himself "strong and courageous" on Instagram after the event, seemed proud of his controversial remarks. However, UFC CEO Dana White expressed disapproval when reached for comment. "I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I'm completely against saying nasty and false things about people's families," White told Time magazine via text. "Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense."
