Barack and Michelle Obama were spotted together for the first time in four months, enjoying a date night at Osteria Mozza in Washington, D.C. The couple’s public appearance followed months of speculation about their marriage, with rumors suggesting they were heading for a divorce.
A fellow diner at the Italian restaurant filmed the couple walking down a stairway after dining in a private room, with fellow patrons erupting into applause as they exited. Both Barack, 63, and Michelle, 61, waved at the crowd as they left, with Barack taking time to shake hands with several staff members before being escorted out by security.
The couple’s recent outing put to rest rumors about their relationship. Speculation about trouble in paradise was fueled earlier when Michelle skipped several public events. However, Michelle directly addressed the rumors in a recent interview, explaining that her decision to step back from the public spotlight was a personal one and not a sign of marital issues.
She told actress Sophia Bush on the Work in Progress podcast that women often face societal pressure when they make decisions for themselves, particularly when those decisions don’t fit into societal expectations. Michelle explained that her choice to focus on herself wasn’t a reflection of any marital strife but rather a time for self-reflection and personal growth.
Michelle also recently showed off her engagement and wedding rings in Los Angeles, firmly shutting down any lingering divorce rumors. With her newfound freedom, she’s embracing the opportunity to make decisions for herself, such as traveling and spending time with close friends.
The Obamas’ night out in Washington came after Michelle took a step back from public duties, allowing herself the space to ask, “Who do I truly want to be every day?”
