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Alexis Ohanian responds to backlash over UFC visit after Michelle Obama slur

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 6:32 AM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Alexis Ohanian responds to backlash over UFC visit after Michelle Obama slur
Summary

Alexis Ohanian attended the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on June 14, supporting his wife, Serena Williams, during her return to tennis at the Queen’s Club Championships in London. However, his attendance became controversial after fighter Josh Hokit made an offensive remark about Michelle Obama during a post-fight interview. Ohanian condemned Hokit’s comment as 'vile' on social media, explaining he had already left the venue when the comment was made and reiterating his stance against hate speech. Serena Williams, meanwhile, withdrew from the tournament alongside her partner, Victoria Mboko, and is now en route to the Berlin Tennis Open.

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Status Watch
  • •Ohanian attended the UFC event in a sports ownership capacity.
  • •Josh Hokit made an offensive remark about Michelle Obama.
  • •Ohanian left the event before the comment was made.
  • •Serena Williams was forced to withdraw from the Queen’s Club Championships.
  • •Williams continues her campaign at the Berlin Tennis Open.
Latest Updates
  • 6:32 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Vile, Inappropriate’ – Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Breaks Silence on Josh Hokit’s Michelle Obama Slur After White House Visit
  • 6:32 AMPro Football Network — ‘Vile, Inappropriate’ – Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Breaks Silence on Josh Hokit’s Michelle Obama Slur After White House Visit - Yahoo Sports
What they're saying
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As Serena Williams made her highly anticipated return to professional tennis at the Queen’s Club Championships, she had the support of her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their two daughters, who watched from the stands during her doubles clash at the WTA 500 event in London. However, Ohanian returned to the United States after Williams and her partner, Victoria Mboko, were forced to withdraw from the tournament.

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As Serena Williams made her highly anticipated return to professional tennis at the Queen’s Club Championships, she had the support of her husband, Alexis...

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