Michelle and Barack Obama enjoy NYC date night after divorce rumors

Michelle and Barack Obama are shutting down all divorce rumors with a New York City date night. The pair was photographed together months after their relationship had been questioned by many due to Michelle's absence from various political engagements. 

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Photographers captured Michelle and Barack leaving The Lowell Hotel restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. The couple were dressed up for the occasion and flanked by members of the Secret Service, with Michelle wearing a black dress with some lace and fringes.

She rounded out the look with heels and with her hair held back in a bun. In the case of Barack, he wore a black suit made up of slacks, a coat jacket, matching shoes, and socks. 

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The divorce rumors plaguing the Obamas

Over the past years, Michelle and Barack Obama have been plagued by numerous rumors that claim the couple is struggling and going through the process of a divorce. Most of these rumors stem from the fact that Michelle skipped various political appearances that she was expected to attend, including Trump's Presidential Inauguration and President Carter's funeral. 

In an appearance on the podcast "Work in Progress," hosted by Sophia Bush, Michelle opened up about these rumors and shared that the reason why she decided to skip these events was to create a moment for herself. 

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"I mean, so much so that this year people couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing," said Michelle.

"This couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that's what society does to us."

Michelle concluded: "I chose to do what was best for me. Not what I had to do. Not what I thought other people wanted me to do."

© Marcus Ingram