'Black women can't swim because of societal expectations': Michelle Obama's viral claim sparks controversy

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The Times Of India
Sat Nov 15 20:05:21 IST 2025
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A clip from Michelle Obama’s recent book-tour appearance has gone viral after she suggested that societal expectations around hair contribute to why some Black women avoid activities like swimming. The remark quickly spread across X, where some users heavily mocked the statement, turning it into a viral moment on social media. The clip continued circulating across multiple platforms, making it one of the most discussed excerpts from her tour.
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Michelle Obama’s remark that turned into a flashpoint
Obama made the comment while explaining how many Black women straighten their naturally curly hair and then feel pressure to keep that style intact. She said that once the hair is straightened, “we are trapped by the straightness,” adding that water or sweat can undo hours of work. She joked that this is “why so many of us can’t swim” and why some avoid gyms or other activities that might disrupt their hairstyles. As she delivered the line, the host burst into laughter, reacting to the unexpected turn in the conversation.
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She went on to note that getting hair wet during swimming means the styling process has to be repeated, which she described as time-consuming and demanding. She suggested that this extra effort is one reason some women choose to avoid water-based activities altogether.




Social media reactions

  • The clip set off a wave of trolling, sarcasm and disbelief across X. Among the reactions:
  • “Denied.”
  • “Pretermitted Hair Rule.”
  • “Embrace your natural self.”
  • “Big Mike better straighten that hair!”
  • “Why would any white person care how Black people manage their hair?”
  • “If she’s so mad about it, why is she wearing her hair straight?”
  • “Plenty of white people have curly hair too.”
  • “So victimised.”
  • “I’ve never heard anyone say Black women need straight hair.”
  • “White women curl their straight hair all the time.”
  • “She’s blacksplaining.”
  • “We’re not in your hair, Michelle. You’re in ours.”
  • “Why is she blaming white people for her styling choices?”
  • “Straight hair isn’t a standard — it’s just how many white people are born.”
  • “Why must everything be about race?”
  • “Blacksplaining?”
  • “I’ve never heard a white person tell a Black woman to straighten her hair.”


    • Michelle Obama’s book and tour

    The Look is a photographic and narrative exploration of Michelle Obama’s style across her years in the public eye, featuring more than 200 images from official events, personal moments and behind-the-scenes settings. In the book, she reflects on how her fashion choices intersected with identity, public expectations and her evolving role on the national and global stage.

    As part of the book’s release, Obama has embarked on a multi-city tour, beginning on 5 November 2025 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross. The tour includes additional stops such as Washington, DC, where she appeared at Sixth & I with critic Wesley Morris. The events highlight the themes of the book while offering audiences live discussions and insights into her experiences and visual archive.
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