Michelle Obama, her brother Craig Robinson, and former President Barack Obama came together for a candid and lighthearted new episode of IMO on July 16, tackling everything from family dynamics to the persistent divorce rumors that have swirled around the former First Couple for years.
The trio didn’t shy away from the subject, choosing instead to poke fun at the speculation and offer an unfiltered glimpse into their bond as a family.
“She Took Me Back!” – Barack Jokes About Rumors
The episode opened with laughter as Craig Robinson jokingly expressed surprise that Michelle and Barack were still on good terms.
“She took me back! It was touch and go for a while,” Barack quipped, prompting Michelle to laugh.
Their playful energy set the tone for a deeper conversation about how public figures navigate the narratives created about their personal lives.
Craig Robinson Confronts Speculation Head-On
Craig recalled a recent encounter with a woman who seemed convinced that something had gone wrong in the Obamas’ marriage.
“What did he do?” she asked him directly, assuming Barack must have been at fault.
Barack caught the meaning instantly and laughed.
“And you knew she was gonna say, ‘What did he do?’ It wasn’t like, ‘What happened to him?’ It was like, ‘How’d he mess up?’” he said, shaking his head in amusement.
Barack Admits He’s Often Out of the Loop
The former president revealed that he’s often unaware of the chatter online, saying he rarely engages with social media trends or rumors.
“I don’t even know this stuff is going on,” he said. “Then someone will mention it to me, and I’ll just be like, ‘What are you talking about?’”
Michelle, too, brushed off the persistent rumors, explaining how her deliberate choice to step back from the spotlight after their White House years may have fueled unnecessary speculation.
Michelle Addressed the Rumors Before
Long before this IMO episode aired, Michelle addressed the gossip during a 2023 appearance on the Work In Progress podcast.
She explained that after leaving the White House, she intentionally pulled back from public life to focus on her personal well-being, family, and privacy. Her decision to skip certain high-profile events—like Donald Trump’s inauguration—added fuel to the speculation.
“My absence created a narrative that wasn’t real,” Michelle said at the time. “But Barack and I were still a team. People just weren’t seeing us together as often.”
“We’re Still Here” – A Stronger Than Ever Partnership
Despite their reduced public appearances, Michelle and Barack made it clear during IMO that their bond remains strong.
“At the end of the day, we’ve always known what’s true for us,” Michelle said.
The conversation resonated with fans who have long admired the Obamas’ relationship as a model of love and partnership under intense public scrutiny.
???? Key Takeaways
✅ Michelle and Barack Obama laughed off divorce rumors on IMO with Craig Robinson.
✅ Barack admitted he’s often unaware of online gossip.
✅ Michelle explained her retreat from public life was for privacy, not due to marital issues.