FACT CHECK: Michelle Obama Wore Necklace That Reads ‘Vote’ Not ‘Mike’ During 2020 DNC
A video shared on Facebook purports to show former Democratic First Lady Michelle Obama wearing a necklace that reads, “MIKE” during the 2020 Democratic National Convention (DNC).
Screenshot captured via Facebook
Verdict: False
The claim is false as the image is digitally altered. According to an August 2020 article from the New York Times, Obama wore a necklace that read “VOTE” during her pre-recorded speech at the 2020 DNC.
Fact Check:
Obama and her husband, former Democratic President Barack Obama, recently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination, according to The Associated Press. The endorsement follows rumors that the former First Lady was going to enter the presidential race, NBC News reported.
The Facebook video, which has received over 1,000 likes as of writing, purports to show Obama wearing a necklace that reads, “MIKE” during the 2020 DNC. “The awkward moment when Michelle’s necklace from the 2020 DNC goes viral,” text overlay on the video claims. The video includes two close-up photos of Obama appearing to wear a necklace that clearly spells, “MIKE.”
The claim is false as the image is digitally altered. According to an August 2020 article from The New York Times, Obama wore a necklace that read, “VOTE” during her pre-recorded video speech at the DNC. The necklace was custom ordered from ByChari, a Los Angeles-based jewelry business, the outlet reported. The article also featured a photo of Obama wearing the “VOTE” necklace. Chari Cuthbert, the owner of ByChari, saw an increase in sales of the necklace following Obama’s 2020 DNC appearance, CNN reported. (RELATED: Did Netflix Stock Drop 40% After Donating To Kamala Harris?)
Likewise, Check Your Fact did not find any credible news reports to support the claim made via the Facebook video. Actually, the opposite is true. On August 1, Lead Stories reported the claim was false and indicated Obama had worn a necklace reading “VOTE,” not “MIKE” during the 2020 DNC.
In addition, the claim is neither referenced on the Obama Foundation website nor on the former Democratic First Lady’s verified social media accounts.
The false claim made via the Facebook video references an online conspiracy theory that Obama is a man, according to Lead Stories.
Check Your Fact has contacted Obama via the Obama Foundation for comment.
