Michelle Obama is outside and apparently, that alone was enough to spark divorce rumors.

On the April 8 episode of "Work In Progress," the podcast hosted by Sophia Bush, the former First Lady kept it real about what life looks like post-White House, post-full-time mom, and deep into her “I do what I want” era. And unsurprisingly, some folks couldn’t handle it.

“It’s the first time in my life all of my choices are for me,” Michelle said. A simple, honest statement. But in a world where a woman—especially a Black woman—living joyfully and independently must mean something’s wrong, the public quickly jumped to one conclusion: divorce.

Michelle clarified that she and Barack are still very much together, but the chatter is telling. Why can’t a woman grow, evolve, and prioritize herself without people assuming it’s a crisis?

“This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions herself, right?” Michelle said. “But that’s what society does to us.”

Let’s be real—Black women, in particular, are often expected to serve, support, and suppress our own needs for the good of everyone else. Michelle spent years holding it down for her daughters, her husband, and the country. Now that she’s reclaiming her time, we should be applauding her—not policing her joy.

Even Barack admitted he’s still “digging himself out of a deficit” after two terms in the White House, trying to keep up with the evolved woman Michelle has become. That’s not divorce—that’s growth.

This moment isn’t about rumors. It’s about what it looks like when a Black woman finally stops dimming her light. And if that threatens folks? Good.