Michelle Obama reveals new portrait after being targeted with vile UFC slur

By RACHEL BOWMAN, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 19:32, 15 June 2026 | Updated: 19:32, 15 June 2026 Michelle Obama unveiled a new portrait just hours after she was targeted with a vile slur at Donald Trump's White House UFC event. The painting, which is the first official portrait of Barack Obama and his wife, was commissioned for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago ahead of its grand opening on Friday. Instead of commenting on the cruel remark that was hurled at her, Michelle took a leaf out of her own book and seemingly rose above the drama - just like she encouraged others to in her viral quote from 2016: 'When they go low, we go high.'  Created by artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, the portrait, titled The Obamas: Springing Forth, 2026, depicts the couple sitting at a desk. It will be on display in the museum's Hope and Change Lobby, which is free to the public. 'Barack and I were so honored to have @AkunyiliCrosby create our portrait for the Obama Presidential Center,' Michelle wrote on social media. 'Her artistic brilliance shines through - and the way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary. We love it, and we think everyone who visits the Center will too!' The former First Lady's post came just hours after UFC fighter Josh Hokit cried out 'Michelle Obama is a man' during a post-fight interview at Trump's birthday celebration. Hokit was being interviewed by Joe Rogan inside the Octagon after stopping Derrick Lewis in the second round. He had exited the cage moments earlier to give Trump, who was sitting ringside, a necklace and returned for a moment of glory. The Obamas have not addressed the insult thrown at the UFC fight, but Michelle posted about the portrait on Monday  The portrait was unveiled just hours after UFC fighter Josh Hokit cried out 'Michelle Obama is a man' during a post-fight interview at Trump's birthday celebration 'Shout out to Trump for having the b***s to put this s**t on. If I'm going to say anything, there's only one person more incredible than the incredible hulk, and that's my lord and savior, Jesus Christ. 'Now listen, Alex Pereira, I want to shama (sic) on your mama. 'And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?' Hokit yelled down the microphone, shocking the audience, which responded with a mix of cheers and jeers. CNN reported that Trump was spotted showing a 'half smile' after Hokit made the remark as a mixture of cheers and boos were heard. The Obamas have not officially commented on the insult, and the Daily Mail contacted their representatives for comment.  On Saturday, the former president called Trump a bully during interview with ABC News. Obama said he was 'doubtful' that any agreement Trump makes with Iran would be better than the nuclear accord he made. 'It's a reminder that on a lot of different foreign policy problems, the notion we can just bully our way or bomb our way to a solution may sometimes seem appealing,' Obama said. The first official portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama has been unveiled for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago ahead of its grand opening On Saturday, Barack Obama called Donald Trump a bully during interview with ABC News 'You'd think we would've learned that lesson by now, but it seems like every so often we have to learn that lesson again.' He added, 'It is doubtful that any agreement that arises is going to be significantly different or a significant improvement from the deal that we had in the first place and had worked for, for a long stretch of time before we, the United States, pulled out of it.' On Sunday, before the UFC fight, Trump announced that the US and Iran had reached an agreement that would end the Iran war.  'The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!' Trump posted to Truth Social. 'I hereby fully authorize the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade.' 'Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!,' Trump exclaimed. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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