Barack Obama divorce rumours: Michelle Obama clears air after skipping high-profile events

It has been months since the divorce rumours about Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have been doing rounds on social media. And now the former First Lady has broken silence on the speculations.

While speaking on Sophia Bush's 'Work in Progress' podcast, Michelle explained the reason for skipping several high-profile events attended by Barack.

"The interesting thing is that, when I say 'no,' for the most part people are like, 'I get it, and I’m OK'," the 61-year-old said regarding her decision to say not to invitations.

“And that’s the thing that we as women struggle with is disappointing people,” added the mom-of-two. "They couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing."

The divorce rumours about Barack and Michelle Obama started floating earlier this year when Obama went solo for the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump as well as the funeral of former President Jimmu Carter. Later, it was revealed that Michelle was spending some "me" time in Hawaii during the funeral. Reports also suggested that Michelle did not want to meet Trump on his inauguration.

Michelle admitted that since she is not tied to the White House anymore, she is free to decide her daily routine. "Not what I had to do, not what other people wanted me to do, and between you and me, that was an important test for me just as a woman, as an independent person. Because, like all women, I operate from guilt," she explained.

Pointing out that it's time to make "big girl decisions" and ask questions like "Who do I truly want to be every day?"

World