Michelle Obama at Kids' Choice Awards

Claim:   Photograph shows Michelle Obama at the Kids' Choice Awards in expensive clothes paid for by taxpayers.

MIXTURE

Examples:   [Collected via e-mail, May 2012]

Is this pathetic or what? Some people have so much class they don't know how to handle it.

Can you imagine Laura Bush dressing like this?

Oh yeah… the very picture of a First Lady…

Origins:   In March 2012 First Lady Michelle Obama, along with her daughters Sasha and Malia, attended Nickelodeon’s 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards ceremonies in Los Angeles. During the event, Mrs. Obama presented the "Big Help" awards to singer Taylor Swift for her efforts in working with children’s charities, helping to combat bullying, and giving tens of thousands of books to schools and libraries all around the country.

According to fashion reports about the clothing Mrs. Obama chose for the occasion:

The reference to "tax dollars" in the accompanying text is misleading, however, as the First Lady's wardrobe is a personal expense which is not paid for with taxpayer money. Moreover, in many cases the items clothing worn at public functions by the First Lady have been provided free of charge by their designers.

Last updated:   28 July 2012