Full Breakdown
Reddit Co-founder Alexis Ohanian Defends Attendance at White House UFC Event Amid Backlash
6/19/2026, 2:22:46 AM
UFC Freedom 250 at the White House: Ohanian’s Attendance and Response
On June 14, 2026 a UFC arena was erected on the White House South Lawn for the Freedom 250 card, promoted as part of President Donald Trump’s 80th-birthday celebration and a 250th-anniversary commemoration. Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder and owner of five professional sports teams and a league, attended after a personal invitation from TKO Group Holdings, UFC’s parent. In an X post he said he was leaving when heavyweight Josh Hokit made a slur about former First Lady Michelle Obama and praised UFC CEO Dana White for condemning it.
Event Context and Notable Attendees
The event attracted dozens of high-profile guests, among them Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, Paramount Skydance founder David Ellison, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, FBI Director Kash Patel, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, boxer Tyson Fury and WWE star Roman Reigns. Critics called the spectacle “tacky” and “undignified,” likening the White House to a Roman coliseum. Hokit’s post-fight remark, “Michelle Obama is a man, am I right America?” drew boos, laughter and cheers.
Timeline of Key Developments
June 14, 2026 – UFC Freedom 250 held on the White House lawn; Hokit defeats Derrick Lewis and delivers the slur.
June 17, 2026 – Ohanian posts on X, condemning the remark.
June 18, 2026 – The Daily Beast labels Ohanian’s explanation “absurd,” and a tweet criticizing his attendance reaches 1.6 million views.
Official Statements and Institutional Reactions
Ohanian’s X post called Hokit’s remark “vile and inappropriate,” noted his departure, and praised Dana White’s condemnation, which White termed “nonsense.” President Trump’s Truth Social post praised the fighters as “outstanding” and highlighted their “speed and power,” without mentioning the slur. Senators Robert Griffin III, Lindsey Graham and Rep. Melanie Stansbury publicly denounced the comment. Sources differ on Trump’s response; one account notes a “half-smile” and no apology, while another records no comment.
Public Criticism and Opposition
Social-media users called the event a “racist Whitehouse UFC bulls**t” and a “klan fest,” and criticized Ohanian as a white man married to a Black woman and father of two Black daughters who should not have attended. The Daily Beast labeled his explanation an “absurd excuse.” Commentators noted his 2020 resignation from Reddit’s board, which he said aimed to curb hate-filled communities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yes, that fighter’s slur about former First Lady Michelle Obama was vile and inappropriate… I was already on my way home when those comments were made and was glad to see (UFC CEO Dana White) condemn them.” — Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder
- “I own 5 pro sports teams + a league.” — Alexis Ohanian
- “nonsense” — Dana White, UFC CEO
- “Great example for your daughters,” — Social-media commenter
