Michelle Obama Reveals Embarrassing Relationship Detail Amid Brutal Divorce Rumors
Michelle Obama Mocks Barack’s Financial Status, Reflects on Marriage Amid Divorce Rumors
Michelle Obama revealed she married a man who was “not financially sound” during a candid conversation on her podcast with brother Craig Robinson.
The former first lady opened up about her early relationship with Barack Obama while discussing the importance of looking beyond superficial qualities in romantic partners.
The revelation came during a discussion with British author and life coach Jay Shetty on the siblings’ podcast. When Craig directly asked if she would be attracted to someone who wasn’t financially stable, Michelle immediately quipped: “Uh, I married one.”
The conversation turned serious as Michelle reflected on how her relationship with Barack gave her the confidence to take career risks early in their relationship. “I left my corporate firm when I met Barack. I had somebody who was like, ‘I got your back. The risks you think you’re taking, they aren’t that crazy, and I’m here to help you,’” she explained.
Michelle emphasized she valued this supportive partnership over financial security: “I would rather have that in a partner than a higher income. I would rather have somebody who is ready to do some hard things with me.”
She added that this mutual support system meant she also “had to be ready to do some hard things with him.”
Craig noted during their conversation that many women Michelle’s age when she met Barack–around 25 years old–aren’t as financially established as she was at that point in her legal career.
Michelle acknowledged this reality while expressing concern about how superficial criteria often guide relationship choices.
The Obamas first met in 1988 at a Chicago law firm where Michelle was already employed and Barack joined as a summer associate, the Daily Mail reported. Their professional relationship eventually blossomed into romance, leading to their marriage in 1992.
The couple celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary last October, sharing affectionate social media posts that showed them embracing at a New York museum.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better partner and friend to go through life with,” wrote the former president in his anniversary message. Michelle responded with equal warmth: “32 action-packed years with my honey! Through it all, thank you for always having my back, being by my side, and finding ways to make me smile.”
32 action packed years with my honey! Through it all, thank you for always having my back, being by my side, and finding ways to make me smile. I love you, @BarackObama. pic.twitter.com/6ndEaW1tSu
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) October 3, 2024
Despite these public displays of affection, rumors have circulated about their relationship in recent months.
The couple hadn’t been photographed together in public since August’s Democratic National Convention, where they both delivered speeches supporting then-presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
Some unfounded gossip even romantically linked Barack Obama to actress Jennifer Aniston, claims with absolutely no factual basis. These speculations appear to have prompted the Obamas to address rumors directly through their social media presence.
Jennifer Aniston appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to shut down rumors of an alleged affair with Barack Obama.
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) January 24, 2025
Jimmy Kimmel fired back with a question, asking if she was having an affair with Michelle "Big Mike" Obama instead.
She certainly took her time answering that question. pic.twitter.com/9HBqaAFd2a
The former First Couple seemingly responded to relationship speculation by posting romantic Valentine’s Day selfies on Instagram. “Thirty-two years together and you still take my breath away. Happy Valentine’s Day, Michelle Obama!” wrote Barack in his caption.
Michelle shared the identical image with her own heartfelt message: “If there’s one person I can always count on, it’s you, Barack Obama. You’re my rock. Always have been. Always will be. Happy Valentine’s Day, honey!”
Happy anniversary, @MichelleObama! 32 years together, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner and friend to go through life with. pic.twitter.com/04t41YYfN6
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 3, 2024
The Daily Mail reported that the couple has been spending increasing time in California since 2021, when their eldest daughter Malia moved to Los Angeles after graduating from Harvard to pursue screenwriting and film production.
Their younger daughter Sasha later transferred to the University of Southern California and has also shown interest in entertainment following her sociology degree.
This bicoastal lifestyle represents a significant shift from their Chicago roots and Washington years. The Obamas first developed an affinity for California immediately after leaving the White House in 2016, when they treated their family to a vacation in a secluded Palm Springs mansion.
During the podcast discussion about relationships, Michelle also offered broader reflections on how people often make poor partner choices based on superficial criteria. She noted how some of her friends had “dinged a guy” for lacking a college degree or certain status symbols that society values.
“There are a lot of people who aren’t looking deep enough, they aren’t looking broadly enough about what makes for a good partner and instead we all just look at the superficial things,” she observed, suggesting her own experience with Barack had taught her valuable lessons about what truly matters in a life partnership.