She has previously explained that public attention often focused on trivial matters—such as her clothing choices or even her arms—rather than the substance of her work and policies.

On the podcast, Michelle expanded on the harsh and often cruel criticism she experienced. Alex Cooper referenced a comment Michelle had made on her own IMO podcast in November 2025: “You said, ‘It is the habit of the culture of the world to put women in their place by attacking their physical being.’”

Michelle responded by explaining how media coverage prioritized her looks over her qualifications:

“The top of the article would be she was wearing, not my education, not my professional career, but it started with appearance.

“It was clear that, oh, my God, you don’t know anything about what I did before I came here.”

Her frustration is understandable given her extensive academic and professional background. Michelle earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and later graduated from Harvard Law School.

Reflecting on this, she added: “I mean, I practised law,” before listing her past roles: “I was an assistant to the mayor in Chicago. I ran a nonprofit. That quickly. My shoes become the most important thing about me.”

Michelle emphasized the importance of awareness and responsibility, particularly for women in leadership: “We have to think a lot more, to strike that balance and to be thoughtful about what messages we’re sending, giving, receiving.

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