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Michelle Obama’s non-negotiable rule as First Lady
These days Michelle Obama might be thriving as a successful author, podcast host and public speaker, but a few short years ago her main job was to be First lady of the United States — a role which comes with its own set of unique restrictions.
Aside from tackling vitally important issues like childhood obesity and girls' education, one of the quieter — but non-negotiable — pledges the former attorney made as First Lady, was to never be photographed in a bikini during her husband's time in the Oval Office.
Barack Obama served as president of the United States from 2009 to 2017, and during that time, Michelle was never once photographed in a bikini or swimsuit — presumably due to anticipating negative, body-shaming comments and for privacy reasons.
In his new memoir The Promised Land, Barack reveals how one day he and daughter Sasha were heading out to the beach for a day out, and Michelle refused to go with them due to her vow. The former president has since told Vanity Fair, that: 'She [Michelle] was serious. 'This is one of my main goals as First Lady. I will not be photographed by the paparazzi in a bathing suit,' [she said]. And she succeeded.'
Michelle did indeed reach the end of the eight-year presidency without once being spotted in swimwear, although pictures surfaced of her wearing a white bikini top in 2018, two years after Barack finished his second term. Sadly and unsurprisingly, the images received a slew of harsh comments online, proving that body-shaming is still a very real problem women in the public eye face today.
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