Obama divorce rumors fueled by Michelle's new podcast that will discuss 'grey areas of marriage'
There have been persistent and unaddressed rumors for months about alleged marital problems and a potential impending divorce for former president and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama.
That speculation will undoubtedly continue after Michelle revealed that she will discuss issues like "navigating the grey areas of marriage" and re-entering the "dating world" in her new podcast, according to OK! Magazine.
Those gossip-fueling remarks came in a trailer posted by Obama to social media to promote her new podcast, "IMO," that she will co-host with her brother, Craig Robinson.
Michelle launches new podcast with brother Craig
According to the Independent, the new podcast for Michelle Obama -- her third program since 2020 -- will feature her and her brother discussing various things they've experienced in life along with celebrity interviews and answering questions from listeners and viewers.
Politics will undoubtedly be touched upon at times in the conversations, but the show will supposedly "not delve too deeply" into that particularly fraught topic.
The Obamas' production company, Higher Ground, said the podcast would focus on the "unique experiences and candid perspectives" of Obama and Robinson, and that they would typically be joined by experts or special guests who would "share hilarious, practical, and insightful opinions that shaped each of their remarkable journeys."
The production company added, "This podcast will leave you laughing, reflecting, and feeling more prepared to tackle life’s challenges."
Conversations will include the "grey areas of marriage" and re-entering the "dating world"
In a trailer posted to Instagram to promote the new podcast, Michelle Obama said, "Let's be real: we are living through some really complicated and confusing times, and people are feeling more alone than ever."
"But I've learned that if you're feeling a certain kind of way, the reality is that others are probably feeling that way too, and when you take the time to be just a little vulnerable and open up about it, it's a whole lot easier to find the answers you're looking for," she continued.
Michelle went on to say that the show's guests would "keep us honest" about their own experiences in life, including "whether you are navigating the grey areas of marriage and raising kids, dealing with a little friend drama, or even figuring out how to put yourself out there in the dating world."
Rumors of trouble and impending divorce
OK! Magazine noted that Michelle Obama's quips about the "grey areas of marriage" and re-entering the "dating world" post-divorce piqued interest in light of the rumored marital troubles between her and the former president -- regardless of social media posts from the pair that ostensibly paint a picture of a happy marriage.
Those rumors had simmered for months, including allegations of an extramarital affair involving Barack and Hollywood star Jennifer Anniston, but they boiled over in January after Michelle was noticeably absent from two major public events that she would otherwise be expected to attend.
Michelle first skipped the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter -- various excuses included being on an "extended holiday vacation" as well as a "scheduling conflict" -- and then just weeks later refused to attend President Donald Trump's Inauguration ceremony, both of which Barack attended by himself.
Meanwhile, Barack has also been spotted out and about recently without his wife of more than three decades by his side, including at an NBA game and a dinner date with their two daughters, both of which fueled the speculation that a separation and divorce may be imminent.