"It Was Touch and Go for a While"... The Obamas Address Divorce Rumors, How Are They Now?

Appearing on a podcast: "I didn't know about the divorce rumors"
Michelle Obama: "I became a better person because of my husband"

Barack Obama and his wife have addressed the recent divorce rumors that have surfaced over the past few months.

On July 17 (local time), CNN reported that former U.S. President Barack Obama directly addressed the ongoing divorce rumors during an appearance on the podcast "IMO (In My Opinion)" hosted by Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson the previous day.

Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama. AFP Yonhap News.

During the broadcast, former President Obama said, "She took me back," adding, "It was touch and go for a while."

Speculation about the Obamas' divorce began when Michelle Obama did not accompany former President Obama at public events such as the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Robinson remarked to the couple, "It's really nice to see you both in the same room," to which Michelle Obama responded, "When we're not together, people think we've gotten divorced."

Robinson recalled an incident at the airport where a woman asked him about the Obamas' marriage, and former President Obama replied, "I'm missing out on all this." He added, "I don't even know these rumors are going around until someone tells me, and then I wonder what they're talking about."

Former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama appearing on a podcast. Podcast "IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson"

Michelle Obama stated that she has never once considered giving up on her husband during their marriage. She said, "There were really tough times, and there were many joyful times," adding, "We have shared a lot of adventures together." She especially emphasized, "I have become a better person because of the man I married."

Michelle Obama clarified that her absence from official events in April had nothing to do with her relationship with her husband. She said, "It was my decision not to attend President Donald Trump's inauguration," adding, "My decision was met with tremendous ridicule and criticism." She continued, "People couldn't believe I would refuse for any reason other than my marriage being in trouble."