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Michelle Obama sparked widespread reaction online Friday night after delivering an unusual racial commentary during a recent interview. The former first lady sat down with actress Tracee Ellis Ross for a promotional discussion about her new book, “The Look,” which focuses on fashion, self-image and personal identity.
During the conversation, Obama reflected on how her style choices have been scrutinized over the years and shifted into a broader discussion about hair and beauty expectations.
At one point, Obama launched into a detailed explanation about the experiences of Black Americans and the pressure she said they feel to keep their naturally curly hair straight.
“Let me explain something to white people. Our hair comes out of our head naturally in a curly pattern,” Obama said.
She continued by arguing that following what she described as “white beauty standards” creates burdens that affect everyday activities.
“When we straighten it to follow your beauty standards, we are trapped by the straightness. That’s why so many of us can’t swim; that’s why we run away from the water,” she said.
Obama added that concerns about keeping straightened hair intact also influence exercise habits.
“People won’t go to the gym because we’re trying to keep our hair straight for y’all,” she said.
She went on to describe the process as exhausting and costly. “It’s exhausting, it is expensive, and takes up so much time,” Obama said.
Obama then questioned why legal protections are needed to prevent discrimination based on hair type. She asked, “Why do we need an act of law to tell White folks to get out of our hair?”
The remarks quickly circulated across social media, prompting a wave of disbelief, criticism, and debate about Obama’s framing of the issue.
Earlier this month, the former first lady drew more scorn when she said she and former President Barack Obama were “held to higher standards” because they are black.
She made the remarks during an upcoming interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
“You said we were all too aware that as a first black couple, we couldn’t afford any missteps,” the interviewer asked. “And you also say as a black woman, I was under a particularly white, hot glare. Did you feel that?”
“For sure,” Obama replied. “You can’t afford to get anything wrong because you didn’t get the—at least until the country came to know us.”
“We didn’t get the grace that I think some other families have gotten,” she added.
Her comments come despite the fact that Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election by a landslide and was re-elected in 2012 by a comfortable margin.
Since leaving office, the Obamas have built a global brand, securing multimillion-dollar book deals, signing with Netflix, and collecting large speaking fees.
Even so, Michelle Obama has continued to focus on themes of race and privilege, often portraying her family as misunderstood or unfairly judged.
Last month, she said she felt pressure as one of the few Black students at Princeton and acknowledged that some assumed she was admitted through affirmative action.
“All my scores said I did not belong in Princeton,” she said. “People saw my skin color and said, ‘You are aiming too high.’”
And during an appearance on “The Diary of a CEO” podcast, Obama described what she called the “unexpected expenses” of her eight years as First Lady, including food and travel costs.
“It’s expensive to live in the White House,” she said. “Many people don’t know, but much is not covered. You’re paying for every bit of food you eat.”
