On a recent episode of his Daily Wire show, far-right host Matt Walsh vehemently denied calling Michelle Obama a man, despite previously suggesting the theory. He attempted to frame the discussion as a joke, playing a clip from an earlier episode where he read the statement from a conspiracy theory card game. However, Walsh’s subsequent comments insinuated there might be evidence supporting the false claim.
The Conspiracy Theory’s Resurgence
The baseless conspiracy theory that Michelle Obama is a transgender woman dates back to at least 2008. Recently, it has seen a resurgence among right-wing politicians and commentators. Newsweek reported several instances where Republican figures revived the claim on social media platforms like Twitter (X).
Notable Figures and Altered Images
Right-wing podcaster Jason Whitlock dedicated a segment of his show to the theory, and an altered photo of Barack and Michelle Obama, designed to misrepresent Michelle Obama’s appearance, circulated online. Additionally, Donald Trump Jr. brought attention to the rumor on his podcast, “Triggered,” by questioning the absence of photos from Obama’s pregnancies, leading to AI-generated images on social media.
Walsh’s Approach and Public Response
Matt Walsh’s handling of the topic on his show exemplifies a pattern of stirring controversy under the guise of humor or casual commentary. His approach to the Michelle Obama conspiracy theory, blending denial with suggestive remarks, adds to the ongoing narrative of transphobia and baseless rumors perpetuated by certain right-wing figures.
The controversy surrounding Matt Walsh’s comments on Michelle Obama reflects the larger issue of spreading unfounded conspiracy theories in media. While Walsh denies making serious claims about Obama’s gender, his suggestive remarks contribute to a harmful narrative and underscore the need for responsible discourse in public platforms.
