Former first lady Michelle Obama is facing criticism for an old video that resurfaced online, in which she praised convicted rapist and former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein as a “wonderful human being, a good friend and a powerhouse”.
The video, posted by a pro-Trump account on X (formerly Twitter), shows Obama speaking at a Student Film Symposium at the White House in 2013, where she thanked Weinstein for organizing the event and complimented him on his achievements and influence.
“I want to start by thanking Harvey Weinstein for organizing this amazing day. Harvey. This is possible because of Harvey. He is a wonderful human being, a good friend and just a powerhouse. And the fact that he and his team took the time to make this happen for all of you should say something, not about me or about this place, but about you,” Obama said in the video.
The video has sparked outrage and backlash from many social media users, who accused Obama of being hypocritical, insensitive and complicit in Weinstein’s crimes. Some users also questioned why Obama remained silent for days after the allegations of sexual misconduct against Weinstein surfaced in 2017, and why she allowed her daughter Malia to intern for Weinstein’s company in 2017.
“Michelle Obama called Weinstein a ‘good friend’ and was silent for days on allegations. How can she claim to be a champion of women’s rights and empowerment?” one user wrote.
“Obama praised Weinstein as a ‘wonderful human being’ in 2013, four years before dozens of women accused him of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and various other sexual improprieties. She knew. They all knew,” another user commented.
Some users also pointed out the irony of Obama’s endorsement of Joe Biden, the current president of the United States, who has also faced accusations of sexual assault and harassment from several women.
“Obama endorsed Biden, who has been accused of sexual assault by Tara Reade and others. She has no credibility or moral authority to speak on behalf of women,” a user tweeted.
Weinstein, who was once one of the most powerful and influential men in Hollywood, was convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in New York in 2020, and sentenced to 23 years in prison. He was also convicted of raping and sexually assaulting two more women in Los Angeles in 2023, and sentenced to an additional 16 years in prison. He has denied all charges and appealed his convictions.
Obama has not responded to the video or the backlash as of yet.
