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By Mandy Taheri
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Fox News host Greg Gutfeld defended Josh Hokit during a heated exchange on The Five after the UFC fighter drew widespread criticism for repeating a long-debunked conspiracy theory about former first lady Michelle Obama.
The clash unfolded when co-host Jessica Tarlov repeatedly pressed Gutfeld to condemn Hokit's remarks. Instead, Gutfeld dismissed the fighter as a "troll" and argued Democrats lacked the credibility to criticize Republicans over inflammatory rhetoric.
The controversy has resonated beyond the UFC because it unfolded at a White House-hosted event and prompted criticism from both Trump supporters and political opponents, raising questions about how public figures respond to conspiracy theories and personal attacks.
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What Did Josh Hokit Say?
The fighter made the comments after defeating Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn Sunday, June 14. During a post-fight interview with UFC commentator Joe Rogan, he thanked President Donald Trump before repeating a conspiracy theory falsely claiming Michelle Obama is a man.
The claim has circulated online for years but has no factual basis.
Newsweek has previously reached out to the White House again on Monday and Michelle Obama's office for comment.
Hokit also made the claim in an interview following his victory over Eric Lunsford at LFA 208 in May 2025, before joining UFC.
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Tarlov and Gutfeld Clash on Air
During Monday's edition of The Five, Tarlov argued that Hokit's remarks should be condemned and questioned why prominent Republicans and White House officials had been reluctant to criticize them directly.
"Why can't you just say that the guy should never have said that Michelle Obama is a man?" Tarlov asked Gutfeld.
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Gutfeld declined to do so, responding: "Because I'm merely pointing out, there's nobody on the left that has any credibility to ask us that question."
As the discussion escalated, Gutfeld pointed to past attacks on Republicans and Trump allies, arguing Democrats had remained silent about offensive rhetoric directed at conservatives.
He ultimately described Hokit as "a troll," saying the fighter's goal was to provoke outrage rather than make a serious political statement.
Criticism Came From Both Sides
Hokit's comments drew criticism from figures across the political spectrum.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, told TMZ on Monday that Hokit’s comments were "not good" and called him an "idiot."
"It took away from the event," the Republican senator said.
"It was a fun event. It was to celebrate America’s founding, who we are as a nation."
UFC CEO Dana White also condemned Hokit, telling Time magazine in a text message: "I understand that the Obamas are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families. Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense."
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, a longtime Trump supporter, said the remarks should have been immediately denounced and did not belong at an event hosted on White House grounds.
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Representative Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat, wrote on X: "OK, so let me get this straight…the dude who puked on himself live on TV during his weigh in, is hurling insults at the former first lady now? Disgusting. Welcome to the Trump Administration."
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III also criticized Hokit, writing: "Josh Hokit won the biggest fight of his career at the White House and decides to finish his interview by calling Michelle Obama a man. What a disgrace."
Not all conservatives objected. Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino described the remarks as "funny" during an interview with TMZ.
The White House has also faced questions over its response. CNN's Jake Tapper said officials declined to directly address whether they condemned Hokit's comments when asked about the controversy.
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