barack obama divorce: Barack Obama-Michelle more like’ just friends’ amid divorce buzz? Here’s what you need to know

Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama are reportedly navigating a challenging phase in their relationship. Insiders claim the couple is now more like “just friends” after over three decades of marriage, with rumors of a connection between Barack and actress Jennifer Aniston adding further strain to their bond.The rumours of trouble between the Obamas surfaced when Michelle Obama refused to appear alongside Barack Obama at back-to-back protocol-breaking events. Rumours have also surfaced that actor Jennifer Aniston has been dating Barack Obama resurfaced on social media. This link-up is not new as a magazine did a cover story on this rumored affair titled: ‘The Truth About Jen & Barack!’.

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Is Barack Obama dating Jennifer Aniston?

The speculation gained traction recently when Barack, 63, attended former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral without Michelle, 61, sparking questions about their increasingly independent lives.

While the Obamas have often been viewed as a model couple, sources suggest their marriage has faced mounting pressures.

According to reports, Jennifer Aniston met Barack Obama first and the only time in 2007 — at a star-studded Hollywood gala. “I’ve met him [Obama] once. I know Michelle more than him,” Jennifer Aniston said. “Is there a truth about you and Michelle?” Jimmy Kimmel asked. “That is not true,” Jen said.A Radaronline report said Barack and Michell were “just friends” amid their “crumbling marriage after the couple were hit by the wild Jenifer Aniston affair rumors”. They have been living increasingly separate lives in recent years, the report said adding that Michelle was let down by the Jennifer Aniston rumors.ALSO READ: Rare planetary parade: Check dates and here’s how you can see six or seven planets. Skywatching tips from NASA
“The Obamas are having a tough time, there’s no doubt about that. Their once solid marriage has come under strain and for the first time, they’re struggling to keep a lid on their problems. The Aniston ‘affair’ attention was unwanted and Michelle felt let down by it all. But the reality is they are more like friends at the moment, the spark has gone and they’re simply going through the motions,” Radar Online reported citing insiders.

Amid the speculations, Barack Obama posted a heartfelt birthday wish for Michelle calling her the “love of my life”. “Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama. You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humour and grace — and you look good going it. I’m so lucky to be able to take on life’s adventures with you. Love You!” Barack posted.

How did Barack Obama-Jennifer Aniston rumour spread?

This shift reportedly began in October 2022 when rumors linked Barack to Aniston, 55. Though Aniston herself dismissed the claims, calling them “absolutely untrue,” the chatter reportedly left Michelle feeling betrayed.

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Aniston clarified on a talk show, “I’ve met him once. I know Michelle more than him.”

The couple’s separate appearances at major events have further fueled speculation. Michelle’s absence from Carter’s funeral, where Barack sat next to President-elect Donald Trump and shared light-hearted moments, drew significant attention. While her absence was attributed to her disdain for Trump, it also highlighted a growing pattern of independent public engagements.

Michelle Obama missed the funeral of Jimmy Carter and was the only former first lady to have done so. Her office confirmed that there was a scheduling clash and she was on an extended vacation in Hawaii. Then it was informed that she would not attend Donald Trump’s inauguration. Though both decisions could have been triggered by Michelle’s hatred for Donald Trump, her absence was also seen as a message of her marital discord as reports claimed she was not happy seeing Barack Obama chatting with Donald Trump at Carter’s funeral.

Michelle has previously spoken openly about the challenges in their marriage.

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During a 2022 panel, she admitted there were times she “couldn’t stand” Barack, particularly during the years when they were raising their daughters, Malia and Sasha.

“People think I’m being catty – it’s like, there were ten years where I couldn’t stand my husband,” she said.

Adding to the strain are past revelations about Barack’s prior relationships. In a 2017 biography by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer David Garrow, Sheila Miyoshi Jager, one of Barack’s ex-girlfriends, admitted they maintained an intimate relationship even after he began dating Michelle.

Despite the rumors, the Obamas continue to focus on their shared legacy and dedication to their daughters.