Jon Stewart denounces White House UFC event as mockery

During a monologue on Monday night's episode of "The Daily Show," host Jon Stewart offered a scathing critique of the UFC Freedom 250, a mixed martial arts event held on the White House lawn over the weekend. Stewart's commentary focused on the event's use of the presidential residence and a controversial remark made by one of its fighters.

The event, which featured a fight between Josh Hokit and Derrick Lewis on June 14, was broadcast by Paramount, the parent company of Comedy Central, the cable channel that airs Stewart's show. During a post-fight interview, Hokit declared, "Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?"

Stewart reacted to the clip by calling Hokit an "asshole" and said he looked forward to the fighter's performance on the upcoming program "Comics Unleashed." The remark drew significant attention and criticism online.

Stewart's broader critique framed the UFC event as a stark contrast to celebrations in New York City following the Knicks' NBA championship victory. He described the city's celebrations, which included spontaneous gatherings and public displays of joy, as embodying community. He mocked right-wing media's characterization of the festivities as...