UFC fighter's 'Michelle Obama is a man' claim sparks controversy at Trump's birthday bash

The White House grounds became the unlikely stage for a controversial declaration during Donald Trump's 80th birthday celebration. UFC fighter Ilia Topuria, his face bloodied from a fight, declared to the crowd, "Michelle Obama is a man," sparking immediate debate and criticism.

The statement, made by the American mixed martial artist Josh Hokit following his win over Derrick Lewis, amplified a long-standing and repeatedly debunked conspiracy theory about the former First Lady. Hokit's provocative words, "And finally... Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?" before leaving the octagon, garnered both support from some attendees and widespread bewilderment.

This conspiracy theory, which suggests Michelle Obama is transgender, has circulated for years, gaining traction in 2014 after comedian Joan Rivers reportedly made similar claims. The birthday event itself was a spectacle, blending a UFC fight with political messaging. Attendees included tech executives like Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Paramount's David Ellison, as well as Spanish presenter Pablo Motos, who attended to support Topuria.

Topuria, who lost his lightweight belt and sustained severe facial injuries during the fight, was taken directly from the White House to a hospital for treatment. Critics viewed the event as Trump's attempt to merge politics with entertainment, appealing to his base with a show of confrontational aesthetics and patriotic symbolism, amplified by a large fan zone and a specially constructed ring in the White House garden.