Video Depicting Obamas as Apes Sparks Outrage, Calls to Celebrate Their Legacy

The White House responds to the offensive video, urging focus on more meaningful news for the public.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A video depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes was posted online, sparking widespread condemnation. The White House initially responded by asking the public to stop the 'fake outrage' and focus on more important news. However, the response shifted to celebrating the Obamas' legacy and the broader achievements of Black individuals in various fields, as a way to amplify joy and resilience in the face of negativity.

Why it matters

The incident highlights a pattern of scrutiny and negativity directed toward the Obama family, extending beyond traditional political disagreement and raising questions about underlying biases. By celebrating the Obamas' contributions and the broader achievements of Black individuals, the focus shifts to amplifying joy and resilience in the face of such negativity.

The details

The video depicting the Obamas as apes was posted online and remained there for nearly 12 hours before being taken down. The White House initially responded with a statement urging the public to 'stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.' A White House staffer later clarified that the post was made erroneously and was removed.

  • The video was posted online on February 7, 2026.
  • The video remained online for nearly 12 hours before being taken down.

The players

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States.

Michelle Obama

The former First Lady of the United States.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary who released the initial statement.

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What they’re saying

“Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (CNN)

What’s next

The White House has not indicated any further actions or responses to the incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the Obama family has faced in the face of scrutiny and negativity, which often appears to be rooted in underlying biases. By shifting the focus to celebrating the Obamas' legacy and the broader achievements of Black individuals, the public can amplify joy and resilience in the face of such adversity.