Former First Lady Michelle Obama has encountered backlash on social media after her recent podcast appearance, where she criticized society’s obsession with women’s appearances while promoting her new fashion book, The Look. During the episode of Call Her Daddy with host Alex Cooper, Obama reflected on her experiences in the public eye, particularly during Barack Obama‘s presidential campaign, where she felt scrutinized for her appearance rather than her capabilities.
In her discussion, Obama noted that the media often began articles about her with comments on her clothing choices, which overshadowed her professional achievements. She stated, “It started with appearance. And it got worse as we got better,” referring to the increasing attention she received as her husband’s campaign progressed. Critics quickly highlighted the perceived contradiction between her comments and her promotion of a book centered on style. One social media user remarked, “The jokes write themselves,” while another questioned the appropriateness of discussing her book on a platform focused on personal appearance.
Obama explained that her initial reaction to the criticism was not personal but stemmed from a concern that focusing too much on fashion might diminish the seriousness of her contributions as First Lady. “I understood that fashion and appearance for women is so powerful, that if I spent too much time talking about it, maybe nobody would hear anything else that I have to say,” she admitted during the podcast.
Insights into ‘The Look’
The release of The Look in November 2025 marks a detailed exploration of Obama’s fashion journey, spanning from her university days through her time in the White House and beyond. The book features over 200 photographs illustrating her evolving style, highlighting significant outfits and the stories behind them. Obama acknowledged the contributions of her stylist, Meredith Koop, who also wrote the foreword for the book.
During the podcast, Cooper’s first question to Obama revolved around her outfit choice for the interview, reflecting the very issue Obama critiqued. Despite the concerns about being perceived as superficial, Obama clarified that the book delves deeper than just clothing. She emphasized themes of “self-determination” and “who we are as women,” asserting that her intention was to provide meaningful reflections rather than merely a catalog of dresses.
Some listeners expressed skepticism regarding the sincerity of her message, noting that the interview’s focus on her outfit seemed to contradict her earlier statements. Obama responded to critiques suggesting that she was out of touch, asserting, “If you know me, you know I’m just not that person. I’m not the person that’s going to talk about some dresses. It’s got to have a meaning to it.”
Comments on Gender and Leadership
Throughout the interview, Obama also touched on the topic of female representation in politics, indicating that societal attitudes still pose barriers for women seeking high office. She noted, “There are men out there that were not going to vote for a woman,” referencing the challenges faced by qualified female candidates like Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris. Obama humorously noted that her husband, despite being a newcomer to politics, managed to secure the presidency, underscoring the persistence of gender biases in elections.
Cooper echoed these sentiments, questioning how a woman could hold the highest office while facing systemic inequalities. Obama expressed hope for the future, urging women to continue striving for leadership roles and emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
As the dialogue surrounding Obama’s comments continues, her office has not yet issued a statement responding to the criticism. The intersection of fashion and identity remains a complex and often contentious topic, highlighting the ongoing challenges women face in public life.
