The Controversial 'Michelle Obama Is A Man' Conspiracy Theory, Explained

Conspiracy theorists online have found a new theory to wrap their heads around, based on former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama secretly being a man.

What might sound like a far-fetched "transvestigation" to many online has others believing its validity. According to screenshots, photos and other so-called "evidence," Barack Obama's wife could have previously been named Michael.

While some are taking these allegations seriously, others are simply not buying it. Instead, they're making memes about it, satirizing the idea that anyone would believe such a theory.

So, who's right in all this? Let's explain what's been discussed so far.

Why Did Barack Obama Call Michelle Obama 'Michael?'

Back in 2011, when Obama was still President, the White House's YouTube channel uploaded a video of him welcoming the new Joint Chief of Staff Chairman, Mike Mullen. Years later, conspiracy theorists resurfaced the video online, clipping a part where Obama thanked Admiral Mullen, Deborah and Michael, with some people thinking the last name was a mistake.

The theorists believed he missaid Michelle's name, using her male "dead name" instead. However, outlets like Reuters disputed this claim, stating that Obama was actually talking about Mullen's son, who is also named Michael.

Why Do People Think Michelle Obama Looks Like A Man?

Back in 2013, random YouTube videos started cropping up that did deep dives into photos of Michelle Obama, analyzing them for hidden male features in her physique. Overall, the videos were highly speculative.

What Did Joan Rivers Say About Michelle Obama Being A Man?

Before comedian Joan Rivers passed away in late 2014, a paparazzi clip of her surfaced in which she seemingly joked that Obama was "the first gay President" because Michelle was transgender. Some people online took what she said literally, and when she died, some online purported that she was "taken out" for spreading the rumor.

Who Altered The Michelle Obama Photo?

In recent weeks, a photo went viral online in which a younger Obama is seen standing with a man who vaguely looks like his wife Michelle. However, the photo was digitally altered, originally posted by Obama to his Twitter account in 2019, showing him and Michelle. In 2020, Facebook pages started to share the altered screenshot, seemingly running it through a face filter that gave Michelle a stronger jaw and shorter hair.

For the full history of the "Michelle Obama is a man conspiracy theory," be sure to check out its Know Your Meme encyclopedia entry. for even more information.