Michelle Obama was spotted having a leisurely lunch at an exclusive club in Mallorca, Spain, raising eyebrows as her husband Barack was notably absent from the gathering. The former First Lady appeared to be enjoying her European getaway despite ongoing speculation about the couple's relationship.
According to the Daily Mail, Michelle, 61, was joined by her daughters Malia and Sasha along with family friends James Costos, the former US ambassador to Spain, and his partner Michael Smith, who previously served as the White House decorator during the Obama administration.
The group dined at The Lobster Club in Puerto Portals, with Michelle keeping a low profile in stylish sunglasses and a colorful print dress. Her daughters showcased their fashion sense as well, with Malia, 26, wearing a black polka dot halter neck crop top and mini skirt, while Sasha, 24, opted for an oversized white tee and pleated brown skirt.
James Costos and Michael Smith have maintained a close relationship with the Obamas for many years. The couple has hosted the Obama family multiple times at their Rancho Mirage home in Palm Springs, California, creating a special bond between the families.
In a 2017 interview with Architectural Digest, Michael reflected on the historical significance of the Obamas staying at their home. He noted that JFK had once stayed nearby at Bing Crosby's residence, saying there was "something lovely" about the Obamas waking up to the same desert valley views as Kennedy had decades earlier.
Michelle's lunch outing comes amid persistent rumors about her marriage to Barack, though she has repeatedly dismissed such speculation. During a May episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast, she directly addressed the gossip, stating unequivocally: "If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it."
The former First Lady has continued to speak positively about her husband in public appearances. She recently praised Barack as a "tremendous father" on her podcast, highlighting how he prioritized his family even during his presidency.
Michelle mentioned that Barack always left his presidential duties at the door when talking with their daughters, focusing on helping them develop during their formative years. This parenting approach has been a consistent theme in her public discussions about their family life.
Speculation about potential marital issues intensified after Michelle missed several high-profile events, including Donald Trump's inauguration and former President Jimmy Carter's funeral. However, she has consistently maintained that there are no problems in her marriage.
During a recent appearance on Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang's Las Culturistas podcast, Michelle revealed she doesn't like being referred to as "Mrs. Obama," preferring a more casual approach. She explained that meaningful conversations are difficult when formality creates barriers.
When asked about her preference, Michelle said, "We cannot have a real conversation if you're saying, 'Mrs. Obama,' that's too many syllables." She added that she tries to appear less intimidating by breaking down formal titles, saying, "I am not that position. I am Michelle."
This approach aligns with her broader efforts to connect with people authentically. "I'm always trying to break down that wall to say, 'We're just all here,'" she explained, emphasizing that dropping formal titles helps create genuine connections.
The Spanish lunch outing appears to be part of a broader European vacation that Michelle is enjoying with her daughters. The absence of Barack from these public appearances has continued to fuel speculation despite Michelle's clear statements to the contrary.
Michelle's approach to her post-White House life has consistently emphasized authenticity and breaking down barriers. Her preference for being addressed by her first name reflects this philosophy, suggesting she values genuine human connection over formal titles and protocol.
As the Obama family continues their separate activities, with Michelle and her daughters enjoying their Spanish getaway, the former First Lady maintains that their family bonds remain strong despite occasional separate travel plans and public appearances.
