Obama spotted without Michelle at DC hotspot for inauguration weekend amid divorce rumors
Former President Barack Obama was seen enjoying a meal at a Washington DC hotspot over the weekend, without his wife Michelle - amid rumors they may be getting a divorce.
The 44th President of the United States appeared very happy as he attended a dinner party at Osteria Mozza on Saturday night with a small group of Washington insiders, including President Joe Biden's Chief of Staff, Jeff Zients, sources told Page Six.
One such source said Obama, 63, was 'very nice' but 'didn't take photos with people.'
Jessica Sidman, the food editor for Washingtonian, though, posted a photo through the window of the restaurant, showing Obama posing with other diners.
'Barack Obama dined at Osteria Mozza tonight, where I hear he was greeted by applause before heading to a private room,' she wrote on social media.
Michelle, 61, has also eaten at the swanky 'California-style Italian' restaurant before.
She hosted a 10-person holiday dinner for her team back in November, just two weeks after the restaurant opened in Washington DC's Georgetown neighborhood, according to Page Six.
A source had overheard the restaurant's staff even telling the former first lady she was the first person to book a private room, to which she reportedly replied: 'Well. let's christen it.'
Former President Barack Obama was spotted enjoying a meal at a Washington DC hotspot on Saturday night without his wife, Michelle
He joined a small group of Washington insiders at Osteria Mozza for a private engagement
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Yet those close to Michelle said she 'checked out' of DC politics after she and her husband left the White House in 2017.
In recent weeks, she skipped out on former President Jimmy Carter's memorial service over a reported 'scheduling conflict' and declined to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration
'She’s always been very deliberate about where and how she shows up,' an insider told Page Six.
'She showed up reluctantly for the election. They were united, but she doesn’t have to unify around [Trump]. Her absence speaks volumes.'
Still, Michelle's absences has fueled 'nonstop chatter that Michelle is fed up with the political circus and pretending everything is OK with Barack all the time,' one insider said.
'I'm told she was furious at seeing her husband yukking it up with Trump at the Carter funeral' the source added.
A source who worked with the couple also admitted: 'They don’t pretend that they have this Camelot relationship. They’re not trying to present that they’re this magical couple.'
Some have even speculated that the couple may be splitting up.
Those close to Michelle said she 'checked out' of DC politics after she and her husband left the White House in 2017
But Obama tried to quell those rumors by posting a gushing tribute to his wife, who he described as the 'love of his life'.
'Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama,' he wrote, alongside a snap that showed them holding hands while enjoying dinner.
'You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace – and you look good doing it. I’m so lucky to be able to take on life's adventures with you. Love you.'
The couple have previously spoken candidly about their martial struggles, with Michelle previously describing the 'resentment' she had over having to put her career on hold to be a mother while Barack's continued to flourish.
Tensions only grew during their time in the White House - thanks to the immense 'pressure' that came with 'needing to get everything right and be "on" at every moment,' as well as Barack's focus on his work rather than his family.
Barack Obama tried to dispel rumors the couple's relationship was on the rocks with a gushing tribute to his wife for her birthday
But even at their worst, Barack explained to The Breakfast Club that they never let their arguments turn too ugly - and that they always 'respected' one another.
And he made it clear that even when they would fight, he never considered a divorce.
'We were pretty good even when things were tough, we never loss basic respect for the other person,' he shared.
'We never thought that person was a bad person. We never said things that would make it seem that you completely disrespect me.
'It was more, "I love you, Barack, but this is driving me crazy," or, "I respect you, but..." I think that's what kept us 'cause we never doubted each other's intentions.
'Michelle is a remarkable woman. Even if she drives me crazy sometimes, I never thought that there was anybody who I would rather be with.'
