Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Addresses Backlash Over Attending UFC White House Event, Calls Michelle Obama Slur “Vile”

Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, Donald Trump

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Addresses Backlash Over Attending UFC White House Event, Calls Michelle Obama Slur “Vile”

Alexis Ohanian is making it clear where he stands.

The Reddit co-founder and husband of tennis icon Serena Williams publicly condemned UFC fighter Josh Hokit after the athlete made a controversial remark about former First Lady Michelle Obama during the recent UFC Freedom 250 event held on the White House lawn.

Responding to criticism online, Ohanian wrote on X, “Yes, that fighter’s slur about former First Lady Michelle Obama was vile and inappropriate.” He also explained that he attended the event as a guest of TKO/IMG leadership and had already left before the comments were made. Ohanian added that he was “glad to see Dana condemn them.”

The businessman went on to reference his decision to step down from Reddit’s board in 2020, noting that he resigned “specifically to push it to curb communities for hate and violence on the site.”

The controversy stems from comments made by UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit following his victory over Derrick Lewis at the White House-hosted event. During a post-fight interview, Hokit made a false and widely criticized remark about Michelle Obama, prompting backlash from public figures across sports, politics and media.

UFC CEO Dana White later condemned the statement, calling it “nasty and false” and saying he is against attacks on people’s families.

Despite Ohanian’s explanation, some social media users continued to question why he attended the event in the first place, leading to ongoing debate online.