Michelle Obama compares ESPN to 'Real Housewives' in brutal swipe at Stephen A Smith: 'Same drama'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Michelle Obama has taken a sharp swipe at ESPN and its top star Stephen A Smith, saying the network’s current programming has turned into a reality TV show.

The former first lady made the remarks while appearing with her brother Craig Robinson on their 'IMO' podcast.

Michelle Obama says ESPN mirrors 'Real Housewives of Atlanta'

Over the years, ESPN has seen a noticeable shift toward debate-style talk shows, including 'First Take', 'Get Up', and 'The Pat McAfee Show'.

These programs are known for high-energy exchanges and on-air drama, building media figures like Smith into household names.

“It’s all a sociological study. They think that sports is better reality TV, I’m like, ‘it’s the same thing,’” Michelle Obama said during her conversation on the podcast. “If I listen to ESPN for an hour, it’s like watching the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta,’ you know?”

Obama continued by pointing to the personalities and clashes on the network.

“It’s the same drama, and they’re yelling at each other, and they don’t get along, you know? I mean, Stephen A Smith, he’s just like every other…” she added.

When someone jokingly said Smith could be a “great Real Housewife,” Obama didn’t back down.

“That’s why I’m like, ‘what’s the difference?’ It’s just sociological drama,” she added.

“The fact that people over seasons of working still can’t get along. They still have the same arguments and it’s not just women. But this happens in sports, too. I find it fascinating.”

Internet reacts as Michelle Obama roasts Stephen A Smith and ESPN 

Online, the response aligned with Michelle Obama, as many agreed with the former first lady's take.

“She’s 100% correct, ESPN has become reality TV. Very little sports, a massive amount of reality hosts giving opinions,” one person wrote on X.

“She's not wrong... it’s why I haven't watched ESPN for over a decade,” added another.

"That’s probably the truest thing to come out of her mouth in a long time!," wrote one more.

One more user chimed in, “Sports coverage has quietly morphed into reality TV.”

Not everyone responded positively, though. “Come on already. It’s Michael Obama. We all know,” a post read.

Someone else quipped, “But Housewives gets better ratings.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online