Fact Check: Is Michelle Obama a Man?
What We Know
The claim that Michelle Obama is a man has been circulating online for several years. This conspiracy theory often involves altered images or false narratives. For instance, a photograph of Michelle Obama was miscaptioned to suggest it was taken at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, although it was actually from 2022. Similarly, another image was manipulated to include disparaging remarks, further fueling the rumor.
The claim has been debunked multiple times by reputable sources. According to AFP Fact Check, a website known for spreading misinformation, The People's Voice, published an altered image and a false story about Michelle Obama registering to vote as a man in 1994. The Illinois State Board of Elections confirmed that they have no record of Michelle Obama ever registering as male.
Moreover, Snopes has investigated numerous rumors about Michelle Obama, including those concerning her gender, and found them to be baseless. These claims are often part of a larger pattern of misinformation targeting public figures.
Analysis
The evidence against the claim is substantial and comes from credible sources. The AFP Fact Check article highlights that the image and voter registration claims originated from a website with a history of publishing false information. The People's Voice, previously known as NewsPunch, even includes a disclaimer about the unreliability of its content.
Additionally, the Illinois State Board of Elections, a reputable governmental body, has explicitly stated that there is no record of Michelle Obama registering as male. This directly contradicts the claims made by conspiracy theorists.
The persistence of this rumor can be attributed to its spread on social media platforms, where misinformation can quickly gain traction. The Times of India reported on a misleading video clip that falsely suggested Michelle Obama referred to herself as a black man, further illustrating how her words and images are often taken out of context to support false narratives.
Conclusion
False. The claim that Michelle Obama is a man is unfounded and has been debunked by multiple credible sources. The evidence supporting this claim is based on altered images and misinformation from unreliable sources. Official records and fact-checking organizations confirm that Michelle Obama has always been registered as female, and the rumors are part of a broader pattern of misinformation targeting her.
Sources
- Image of Michelle Obama is from 2022, not 2024 DNC
- Fact check: Altered photograph of Michelle Obama
- Conspiracy theories about Michelle Obama's gender spread ... - Fact Check
- 14 rumors about Michelle Obama we've investigated
- Michelle Obama's ex-boyfriend did not reveal she 'is ... - Full Fact
- No, Michelle Obama didn't call herself a black man