Sports media personality Stephen A. Smith used his radio platform to deliver a sharp critique of UFC star Josh Hokit after he made a disparaging remark about former First Lady Michelle Obama during an event held on the White House South Lawn.
Smith also criticized President Donald Trump, arguing that the president should have immediately condemned the comment.
Calling the remark unacceptable, Smith said, “That was an incredibly disparaging remark about one of the greatest first ladies, if not the greatest First Lady we have seen. It was a disgusting thing to say. It was inexcusable. When he said it, Trump smiled.”
The criticism is notable given Smith’s professional ties to the UFC’s parent company, TKO. According to sources, Smith is represented by TKO president Mark Shapiro, while the UFC itself is owned by Ari Emanuel.
Despite those connections, Smith showed little hesitation in publicly criticizing a UFC star associated with the promotion.
At the same time, Smith acknowledged that UFC President and CEO Dana White did address the situation. White released a statement saying, “I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families. Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense.”
Smith praised White’s response, saying, “Thank goodness he said that.”
However, he made it clear that he believed the response should have gone further, specifically from the president.
“This should immediately have been denounced by the President,” Smith said. “But he doesn’t do that enough. And that’s the problem.”
According to Smith, Trump’s failure to publicly rebuke the comment sends the wrong message.
“He comes across as an individual that emboldens,” Smith said. “I’m not accusing him of doing what Josh Hokit did. I’m saying you denounce that immediately.”
Smith then argued that stronger action should have been taken at the event itself.
“They should have escorted his a*s out of there,” he said. “And the President should have said there’s no excuse for that.”
Smith also referenced a previous controversy involving Trump and a social media image depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.
“And then you wonder why people associate the word racist with him,” Smith said. “I’m not calling him that. I’m saying when you allow something like that to happen, that’s what ultimately stains you.”
He went on to defend Michelle Obama directly, emphasizing her accomplishments and public service alongside her husband.
“Barack Obama served two terms as president of the United States of America and he deserves better than that,” Smith said. “And his wonderful, marvellous, brilliant, intelligent, and yes, attractive wife. This marvellous, intelligent, accomplished woman, and you talk about her like that, is inexcusable.”
Smith concluded by arguing that incidents like this often overshadow policy discussions and leave a lasting impression on the public.
“It’s stuff like this that people remember and hold on to,” he said, “which diverts them away from focusing on his policies and whether they work or not, because they’re so disgusted by the vile behavior he either initiates, emboldens, or cosigns.”
