Alexis Ohanian Responds After White House UFC Appearance Draws Criticism
By Alexus Mosley
Photo Credit/Getty Images
Alexis Ohanian is speaking out after his appearance at a recent White House UFC event sparked criticism online.
The Reddit co-founder and husband of tennis legend Serena Williams was among several celebrities and public figures spotted attending the event, which took place at the White House. Following the gathering, some attendees faced backlash on social media, prompting several to clarify why they were there.
Ohanian addressed the conversation directly in a post on X, responding to questions about his attendance and condemning remarks made during the event. “Lot of people asking me to comment: Yes, that fighter’s slur about former First Lady Michelle Obama was vile and inappropriate,” Ohanian wrote.
He went on to explain that his attendance was related to his involvement in professional sports. “I attended the UFC event via invitation from TKO/IMG leadership (I own 5 pro sports teams + a league),” he wrote. “I was already on my way home when those comments were made and was glad to see Dana White condemn them.” Ohanian also pointed to his past actions regarding online hate speech as context for his position. “For context: I resigned in protest from Reddit (the company I co-founded and built for over a decade) specifically to push it to curb communities for hate and violence on the site,” he added.
While reactions to the event continue to circulate online, Ohanian’s statement makes clear that he attended in connection with his sports business interests and that he does not support the comments that sparked controversy following the gathering.