Michelle Obama Addresses 2012 Ellen DeGeneres Push-Up Challenge, Denies Divorce Rumors

Michelle Obama recently shared on Amy Poehler's podcast that Ellen DeGeneres challenged her to a push-up competition during a 2012 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where Michelle ultimately outperformed Ellen despite Ellen questioning her push-up form due to her long arms. This episode took place on Ellen's talk show, which ended in 2022 following allegations of a toxic workplace environment and backlash against the host. Michelle also used her podcast appearances to dispel rumors about her marriage with Barack Obama, describing their playful teasing dynamic as a sign of their strong relationship. Meanwhile, Ellen DeGeneres has faced public scrutiny over her reputation, notably being roasted by Seth MacFarlane at a charity gala, where he joked about her relocating to Europe after the 2016 election and quipped about her 'niceness' in France. Ellen had publicly addressed accusations of being mean and apologized for the toxic workplace allegations that led to the end of her long-running show. Despite these controversies, Ellen has reflected on the challenges she faced and expressed a belief that the difficult period happened for a reason, signaling a period of personal growth.