Barack Obama was recently seen enjoying dinner at a fashionable restaurant in Los Angeles, accompanied by his two daughters. However, the absence of Michelle Obama raised eyebrows amidst ongoing speculation regarding their marriage.
The former president took Sasha, 23, and Malia, 26, to the upscale Japanese restaurant Hamasaku, located in Santa Monica—a spot the family has frequented since at least 2022.
Barack Obama spotted at ritzy LA restaurant with daughters — but wife Michelle was absent as rumors of marriage problems swirl https://t.co/sqTdtUOWP8 pic.twitter.com/DxF9ZxBAal
— New York Post (@nypost) April 26, 2025
The New York Post reported:
On a Saturday night, former President Barack Obama was spotted dining with his daughters in Los Angeles, notably without former First Lady Michelle Obama, as rumors about their marital strife continue to circulate.
Obama, 63, and his daughters were seen at the upscale Hamasaku, a family favorite, which they have visited multiple times. Despite Michelle’s absence, observers noted that Barack was still wearing his wedding ring, perhaps a nod to his commitment amid swirling gossip.
Just earlier this week, the couple was seen together at a restaurant in San Francisco, yet the specter of divorce continues to loom large. Michelle Obama addressed these persistent rumors in a recent podcast, where she expressed frustration at societal expectations placed on women.
Rumors of an impending divorce first surfaced back in December, particularly after Michelle opted out of attending Jimmy Carter’s funeral and publicly stated she wouldn’t be present at Trump’s inauguration.
Reports have also surfaced indicating that some of the Obamas’ largest financial backers have distanced themselves amid these marital concerns. In her podcast appearance on Sophia Bush’s “Work in Progress,” Michelle addressed the rumors indirectly, attributing societal pressures to her decision-making.
“Women often grapple with the burden of disappointing others,” she remarked, alluding to public reactions regarding her absence from significant events. “The narrative that I must be making decisions based on my husband’s actions is a reflection of societal expectations.”
She continued, “As we begin to question our motivations and the roles we play, any deviation from societal norms is often misinterpreted as negative.”
