Former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama speaks during a campaign event for Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, October 26, 2024. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
(New York, New York) – Former first lady Michelle Obama ignited a culture-war backlash after a short clip from a recent panel discussion resurfaced online, racking up millions of views and drawing accusations of racism from conservative critics.
Speaking during a panel for her photo book The Look, Obama encouraged people with financial means to “balance” their wardrobes by supporting emerging designers of color alongside luxury fashion houses like Chanel. She framed the idea as ethical and intentional shopping, not a rejection of established brands.
The 35-second clip went viral on Monday, with critics claiming Obama was promoting an anti-white boycott. Sen. Mike Lee weighed in, calling the message divisive and questioning why consumer choices should be tied to race.
Supporters pushed back just as forcefully, arguing Obama was advocating inclusion, not exclusion, and pointing out that she was wearing a skirt by a white designer in the very clip being criticized. Others noted the timing, the debate erupted around Martin Luther King Jr. Day, intensifying emotions on both sides.
