Michelle Obama Slams Divorce Rumors: 'That's What Society Does To Us'

Former First Lady Michelle Obama has had enough of the chatter surrounding her marriage and has addressed the swirling divorce rumors involving her and Barack Obama.

The couple has been married for over thirty years, but news that their union is headed for the rocks has dominated the headlines recently.

However, Michelle Obama has attributed the speculation to just another example of how women's independence is often misunderstood and unfairly scrutinized.

In a new episode of Sophia Bush's iHeart Radio podcast "Work in Progress," Michelle spoke candidly about her current stage in life.

She opened up about the freedom she experienced since leaving the White House and how her independent choices quickly sparked rumors of marital trouble.

"That's the thing that we women struggle with — disappointing people. I mean, so much so that this year, people couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself," she said.

The 61-year-old noted that people quickly assumed that she and Barack were divorcing. "This couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions herself, right? But that's what society does to us," Michelle added.

According to her, it was disappointing to see women labeled as something negative and horrible if they didn't fit into a certain stereotype.

Before shutting down the divorce rumors, Michelle reflected on her life post-White House and the newfound autonomy she had been experiencing now that her daughters, Malia and Sasha, are grown.

For the first time in decades, the mom of two focuses on her personal goals and derives joy in doing things for herself. "It's the first time in my life all of my choices are for me," she told Bush.

Michelle further explained that in the past, she would use her daughters or the position of the First Lady as excuses to avoid making certain decisions.

However, since becoming an empty nester and leaving the White House, she was solely responsible for her decisions.

"I think if I'm honest with myself, I could have made a lot of these decisions years ago. But I didn't give myself that freedom," she said.

While Michelle is shutting down the divorce rumors, Barack has also acknowledged that marriage, especially one that is constantly under public scrutiny, isn't always easy.

He spoke about the challenges in their 33-year-old marriage during a conversation with Hamilton College President Steven Tepper on April 3, 2025.

The former president humorously admitted that he was in a "deep deficit" with Michelle due to the demands of his presidency.

"So I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things," he said.

The Obamas may have been waxing stronger by the day, but there was a time during their marriage when Michelle couldn't stand her husband.

During an interview with Revolt TV in 2022, the attorney revealed that that phase lasted for about a decade.

"People think I'm being Catty by saying this — it's like, there were 10 years where I couldn't stand my husband. And guess when it happened? When those kids were little," she said.

Michelle also admitted to the hosts that the imbalance in their marriage occurred when Barack's political career was ascending, and she was primarily taking care of their daughters.

The former first lady continued, sharing that marriage wasn't 50/50.

She said there were days when she would give 70 and others when her husband would give 60. However, what was most important was having a partner that showed up.

Amid the challenges in their marriage, Michelle has launched a new podcast series titled "IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson," which she co-hosts with her brother, Craig Malcolm Robinson.

The podcast, which launched in March 2025, aims to discuss life experiences and engage with listeners, steering clear of political topics.

Despite ongoing media scrutiny, the initiative reflects Michelle's commitment to personal growth and public engagement.

Michelle is keen on using her voice to challenge norms and inspire others to embrace their own paths no matter what society may say. As for her marriage, it appears forever is still the deal for Michelle and Barack.