Michelle Obama Calls Stephen A. Smith “Salty”

Stephen A. Smith Claps Back at Michelle Obama Over ESPN Comment and Political Remarks

Sports commentator and media personality Stephen A. Smith has never shied away from controversy—and this week, he’s making headlines once again. The ESPN host took to his YouTube show to fire back at former First Lady Michelle Obama after she made a pointed analogy during a campaign speech supporting Vice President Kamala Harris.

During her remarks, Obama likened watching ESPN to tuning into a Bravo reality series, saying it sometimes feels like “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” While the comparison drew laughter from the crowd, Smith didn’t find it amusing.

On his show, Smith accused Obama of “clapping” at him and even suggested that she essentially called him “salty” for his recent commentary. He viewed the sports-to-reality-TV analogy as a subtle jab at the kind of discourse he and others bring to ESPN—a blend of passion, debate, and strong opinion.

But Smith didn’t stop there. He also took issue with the broader message of Obama’s campaign speech, particularly her statement implying that a vote for Donald Trump is a vote “against Black men.” Smith, who has been vocal about political issues in recent years, criticized both Michelle and Barack Obama for what he sees as emotionally manipulative rhetoric aimed at Black voters.

“I found that offensive,” Smith said bluntly. He accused the Obamas of moral posturing and argued that such emotional appeals may have alienated voters in past elections, possibly contributing to Trump’s success in 2016.

Smith further challenged Michelle Obama to broaden the scope of voices she includes in public conversations, suggesting she invite dissenting opinions instead of preaching to the choir.

While some see Smith’s comments as an overreaction, others believe he’s raising valid points about political messaging and media narratives within the Black community.

As election season heats up, the clash between sports commentary and political activism appears to be entering new territory—one where public figures from vastly different arenas are increasingly willing to call each other out.