Over the past year, speculation surrounding the Obamas’ personal life has intensified, with rumors suggesting that Barack and Michelle Obama might be headed toward a divorce. These whispers gained momentum after reports claimed the couple had been living “separate lives” for some time.
The situation took an unexpected turn when Michelle Obama celebrated the Fourth of July by promoting a pair of hydration drinks—PLEZi Fizz and PLEZi Hydrate—on Instagram. In her post, she encouraged followers to stay safe and hydrated during the holiday weekend. While her message was rooted in public health awareness, it sparked a wave of criticism online.
Public Backlash Over Beverage Promotion
Michelle’s promotional video quickly drew mixed reactions from social media users. Many questioned the appropriateness of the former First Lady endorsing products directly on her page, especially ones they considered unnecessary.
Comments ranged from mild confusion to outright disapproval:
* “This is so strange.”
* “No, Michelle please, don’t sell us useless products.”
* “You lowkey too good to be doing this.”
* “It’s really weird that you’re like hawking a drink. It seems beneath you.”
While many were unaware at the time, Michelle is actually a co-founder of PLEZi Nutrition, the company behind the drinks. Still, the negative feedback suggests that this type of marketing may not align with how the public expects a figure like Michelle Obama to engage with her audience.
Divorce Rumors Intensify Amid Public Scrutiny
The controversy over the drinks unfolded against the backdrop of escalating divorce rumors involving the Obamas. Speculation first gained serious traction earlier this year when Michelle skipped two high-profile events—the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of Donald Trump. She was the only living former First Lady to miss both ceremonies, prompting widespread curiosity about what might be happening behind closed doors.
Political commentator Meghan McCain added fuel to the fire during a January appearance on Tara Palmeri’s podcast. She noted that the divorce rumors were coming not just from tabloids but from credible journalists who follow Washington closely.
Tara, who has extensive experience covering politics, acknowledged that such rumors weren’t new. “We’ve heard that for a long time,” she said. “Like I just heard that they live separate lives.”
Podcast Appearances Fuel Tension
Adding to the tension, Michelle launched a podcast titled IMO with her older brother Craig Robinson. Since its debut, the show has become a platform where Michelle frequently discusses her relationship with Barack. Her candid critiques have raised eyebrows and led to further speculation about their marriage.
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson even went so far as to claim that Michelle “really dislikes her husband, and it’s super obvious.” He emphasized that his commentary wasn’t meant to be malicious: “I’m not just saying that to be catty. I think I’m trying to feel compassion for her, but her hostility toward the guy is unbelievable.”
His former colleague Megyn Kelly echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that nearly everything Michelle says about Barack comes across as negative. “I almost never say negative things about Doug,” she remarked, referring to her own husband. “He’s not perfect, but when I think about him, I don’t immediately go to whatever is negative.”
Despite these allegations, Barack Obama has remained publicly silent on the matter, leaving many to interpret his lack of response as confirmation of marital strain.
Meanwhile, Michelle has occasionally denied the divorce rumors, though her frequent criticisms on her podcast make those denials seem less convincing to some observers.
A Shifting Public Perception?
The backlash over the drinks promotion may signal a broader shift in how Michelle Obama is being perceived by the public. Once widely admired for her grace and advocacy work, she now faces increasing scrutiny over both her business decisions and personal revelations.
As the rumors continue to swirl, one question remains: will the Obama marriage endure, or are these signs of an irreversible split? Only time will tell.
