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Is this a message?

Michelle Obama flaunts engagement & wedding rings in L.A. amid divorce rumors

Former First Lady visits North Hollywood’s Academy HQ with brother Craig Robinson. Her rings on full display as chatter about a possible separation with Barack Obama intensifies


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
UPDATED APRIL 21, 2025 4:38 PM EDT

Michelle Obama is living her best life in Los Angeles, and she's not hiding from the headlines. The former First Lady was just spotted at The Academy headquarters in North Hollywood, looking chic and confident, and she was wearing a piece of jewelry with a message.

The author was captured still wearing her engagement and wedding rings. Both were fully visible, sparkling for the cameras as if to say, "Rumors? What rumors?"


Michelle Obama has been spotted out in Los Angeles © Backgrid/The Grosby Group
Michelle Obama has been spotted out in Los Angeles

Michelle wasn't alone, but she also wasn't with Barack Obama. Instead, she rolled up with her brother, Craig Robinson, for the outing. Her husband hasn't been seen with her publicly since December, nearly five months ago, and naturally, the internet is speculating.

Making things even more suspicious, the former U.S. president was last photographed strolling around D.C. by himself, fueling whispers that all might not be perfect in paradise. However, if Michelle Obama tries to send a message, she does it with her fingers.

The Rings Are Still On, Loud and Clear

Michelle ensured her diamond engagement ring and wedding band were fully displayed. There were no attempts to hide them, no subtle finger adjustments. And while the Obamas have always been pretty private about their relationship, people are picking up on the visual clues. 

Michelle wore an olive green ensemble that screamed effortlessly cool. She paired it with caramel-brown kitty heels and styled her hair in a long, wavy ponytail. She rocked army green barrel pants, a coordinated cardigan, and a basic tee. She completed her look with a belt and a luxe Bottega Veneta "Arco Intrecciato" Leather Tote Bag, which retails for a casual $5,700. 

Michelle Obama has been spotted out in Los Angeles as she continues to be hit with rumours of marital issues with husband, President Barack Obama. Michelle defiantly flashed her diamond engagement and wedding rings as she visited The Academy headquarters in North Hollywood. Barack was nowhere to be seen, as it was her brother, Craig Robinson accompanying her on the outing. President Obama was last seen with Michelle in December, nearly 5 months ago. He has been seen walking around Washington DC alone in his last public sighting. Michelle appeared to be in great spirts, looking stylish in olive green, with brown heels and a long wavy ponytail. She finished off her look with a Bottega Veneta "Arco Intrecciato" Leather Tote Bag retailing at ,700.© Backgrid/The Grosby Group
Michelle Obama has been spotted out in Los Angeles with her diamond engagement and wedding rings.

Don't jump to conclusions

Yes, they haven't been seen together publicly in months. Yes, Barack has been doing solo walks in D.C., and yes, Michelle is now popping up in LA without him. But it's worth noting that these two are also incredibly busy, high-profile individuals who don't exactly share every detail of their lives with the world.

However, Barack's romance game is very much alive. This past Valentine's Day, he dropped a heart-melter on Instagram: "Thirty-two years together and you still take my breath away. Happy Valentine's Day, @MichelleObama!"

Former US President Barack Obama arrives onstage after his wife and former First Lady Michelle Obama introduced him on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 20, 2024. © AFP via Getty Images
Former US President Barack Obama arrives onstage after his wife and former First Lady Michelle Obama introduced him on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 20, 2024.

Michelle also said she has been seen alone because she is embracing her independence, which unfortunately led to the ridiculous rumors that she and Barack were calling it quits.

"That's the thing that we as women struggle with — disappointing people," she told Sophia Bush on the "Work in Progress" podcast earlier this month. "So much so that this year people couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself… they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing."

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