Stephen A Smith blasts Michelle Obama over ESPN drama jab and offensive Donald Trump claim | International Sports News
On August 2 and 3, 2025, a heated exchange unfolded between ESPN star Stephen A. Smith and former First Lady Michelle Obama. The clash began when Michelle Obama, on her “IMO” podcast, compared ESPN comment shows especially featuring Stephen A. Smith to The Real Housewives of Atlanta. In response, Stephen A. Smith pushed back sharply on his YouTube show, calling her 2024 campaign remarks “offensive” and saying he took them personally. What followed is a clash of perspectives blending sports, politics and media culture.
Michelle Obama’s ESPN comparison draws fire
On August 1, 2025, during an episode of her “IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson” podcast, Michelle Obama likened watching ESPN even shows like First Take to reality TV. She said: “If I listen to ESPN for an hour, it’s like watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta. It’s the same drama… they’re yelling at each other… Stephen A. Smith… he’s just like every other talk show host.” She described the network’s debates as sociological drama, full of constant tension and conflict.
Also Read:
Stephen A. Smith’s response to Michelle Obama
On August 2–3, 2025, Stephen A. Smith answered on his own show. He began by expressing respect: “Michelle Obama… you are revered by me personally… but I’m still a bit salty at you.”He criticised her campaign claim that “a vote for Trump was a vote against women,” stating he found that message emotionally manipulative and offensive. He emphasised that voters decide based on many issues like economy, security, immigration, safety, long before considering identity politics.Smith also challenged her reality‑TV comparison of ESPN. He argued that sports commentary is live, competitive, authentic entertainment and not scripted reality TV. “You are so wrong about that assertion,” he said, defending ESPN’s value.Despite disagreement, Smith lauded her: he said Obama was “sensational” and suggested she or Barack Obama would beat Donald Trump in a presidential run. Yet he reaffirmed that he “won’t say a negative word” about her personally.This dispute highlights the intersection of sports media criticism and political tension. With Michelle Obama’s viral podcast comments and Stephen A. Smith’s candid rebuttal, both delivered on different platforms and dates, the back‑and‑forth reflects deep cultural divides over identity, political messaging, and media presentation.
