Rosie O’Donnell reignited her long-running feud with President Trump over the weekend, blasting him and his fans as “racists, homophobic, and un-American” following a controversial event at the White House, as reported by Breitbart.
The comedienne made the remarks in an interview with TMZ after the UFC match, which drew criticism from several public figures.
“It’s disgraceful and embarrassing, and he should be ashamed of himself for doing it,” O’Donnell said of the match, which she viewed as emblematic of misplaced priorities.
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The event took place in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary as well as Trump’s 80th birthday, but it quickly descended into controversy after comments made by one of the fighters.
UFC Heavyweight Josh Hokit caused an uproar on Sunday when he referred to former first lady Michelle Obama as “a man” during his post-fight remarks.
“Michelle Obama is a man,” Hokit declared after his victory. “Am I right, America?”
The inflammatory statement drew swift backlash, including from within UFC leadership. When asked for her reaction, O’Donnell did not hold back.
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“Yes, that’s exactly what Trump is, and that’s exactly what his fans are: racists, homophobic, un-American,” she told TMZ.
UFC President and CEO Dana White condemned Hokit’s baseless statement shortly afterward, calling it “nonsense” in an interview with Time.
“I understand that the Obamas are public figures, but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White explained. “Everyone knows my position on free speech, but I hate that kind of nonsense.”
O’Donnell’s sharp rebuke echoed sentiments from other entertainers who voiced disapproval of the White House-hosted event.
Singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow also shared her dismay, writing in an Instagram Story that staying silent about such incidents would mean “turning a blind eye.”
“What happened last night on the lawn of the White House was disgraceful and void of decency,” Crow stated. “Powerful, rich people filled the lawn to watch a violent sport that ended with a vile and racist comment.”
Her post went on to criticize broader issues of inequality and priorities in the current political climate.
“All while the average American cannot afford healthcare, gas, and cost of living. Do not be fooled. This administration is corrupt and does not give a damn about the American people,” she wrote.
“It only cares about making money hand over fist at the expense and in spite of our democracy.”
Crow concluded her statement with a call for self-reflection among voters. “If we continue to support this kind of distraction from reality, we are no better than them. Let’s be better, America.”
Sheryl Crow calls the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House “disgraceful and void of decency”:
“Powerful, rich people filled the lawn to watch a violent sport that ended with a vile and racist comment. All while the average American cannot afford healthcare, gas, and cost of… pic.twitter.com/7lFeVlgGlV— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 16, 2026
The combination of O’Donnell’s harsh criticism and Crow’s pointed commentary contributed to a growing chorus of disapproval over the event, which many viewed as politically and culturally tone-deaf.
As reactions continue to ripple, the incident has drawn attention not just for the sport but for the broader debate it sparked around civility, politics, and public conduct in high-profile spaces.
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