The gossip first flared up in January when Barack Obama attended former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral alone, raising eyebrows about Michelle’s absence. The chatter only intensified when she opted out of Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration, prompting whispers of a marital rift.

Appearing on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast, Michelle set the record straight.

“The interesting thing is that, when I say ‘no,’ for the most part people are like, ‘I get it, and I’m OK,’” Michelle shared.
“So much so that this year, people couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself. They had to assume my husband and I are divorcing.”

The former First Lady reflected on how society often misinterprets a woman’s autonomy, saying:

“This couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that's what society does to us.”

Her comments came just days after Barack candidly admitted the toll his presidency took on their relationship during a talk at Hamilton College on April 3.

“I was in a deep deficit with my wife,” he confessed. “I’ve been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things.”

This isn't the first time the Obamas have been honest about their relationship struggles. In a 2023 interview with Revolt TV, Michelle spoke openly about the ups and downs of marriage.

“There were 10 years where I couldn’t stand him,” she admitted. “But I would take 10 bad years over 30. It’s just how you look at it.”

She elaborated that during Barack’s political rise, she felt their relationship was uneven, as she took on more childcare responsibilities.

“That’s when all the measuring starts,” she said. “Couples often turn that ire on each other.”

While the couple’s transparency may not fit the polished “Camelot” image some expect, sources close to them told PageSix that Michelle’s absences were simply personal choices.

“They don’t pretend to be a magical couple,” one insider said. “They’re just real.”