Former President Barack Obama was spotted enjoying a meal at a Washington DC hotspot this weekend without his wife Michelle – amid rumors they may be divorcing.
The 44th president of the United States appeared very happy as he attended a dinner at Osteria Mozza on Saturday evening 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 pictures with people.”
However, Jessica Sidman, Washingtonian's food editor, posted a photo through the restaurant's window, showing Obama posing with other diners.
“Barack Obama had dinner at Osteria Mozza tonight where I hear he was greeted with applause before going to a private room,” she wrote on social media.
But Michelle, 61, has eaten at the chic 'California Italian' restaurant before.
According to Page Six, she hosted a holiday dinner for 10 people for her team in November, just two weeks after the restaurant opened in Washington DC's Georgetown neighborhood.
A source was told the restaurant staff even told the former first lady that she was the first person to book a private room, to which she reportedly replied, “Well. let us baptize it.”
Former President Barack Obama was spotted enjoying a meal at a Washington DC hotspot without his wife Michelle on Saturday evening
He joined a small group of Washington insiders at Osteria Mozza for a private meeting
Still, those close to Michelle said she opted out of DC politics after she and her husband left the White House in 2017.
In recent weeks, she skipped former President Jimmy Carter's memorial service due to a reported “scheduling conflict” and declined to attend the inauguration of newly elected President Donald Trump.
“She has always been very conscious about where and how she appears,” an insider told Page Six.
'She reluctantly showed up for the election. They were united, but she doesn't need to unite [Trump]. Her absence speaks volumes.”
Still, Michelle's absence has led to “nonstop talk about Michelle being fed up with the political circus and pretending everything is fine with Barack all the time,” an insider said.
“I'm told she was furious when she saw her husband arguing with Trump at Carter's funeral,” the source added.
A source who worked with the couple also admitted, “They're not pretending to be in a Camelot relationship. They don't try to show that they are a magical couple.'
Some have even speculated that the couple is breaking up.
People 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 quash those rumors by posting a powerful tribute to his wife, whom he described as the “love of his life.”
“Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama,” he wrote, alongside a photo of them holding hands as they enjoyed dinner.
'You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor and grace – and you look good doing it. I am so happy to experience 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 at having to pause her career to become a mother while Barack's continued to flourish.
Tensions only increased during their time in the White House – thanks to the enormous “pressure” that came with “the need to do everything right and be 'on' at all times”, and thanks to Barack's focus on his work instead of his family.
Barack Obama tried to dispel rumors that the couple's relationship was on the rocks with a lavish tribute to his wife for her birthday
But even at their worst, Barack explained to The Breakfast Club that they never let their arguments get too ugly — and that they always “respected” each other.
And he made it clear that even if they argued, he never considered divorce.
“We were quite good, even when it was difficult, we never lost the basic respect for the other,” he said.
“We never thought that person was a bad person. We've never said anything that makes it seem like you don't respect me at all.
“It was more, 'I love you, Barack, but this is driving me crazy,' or, 'I respect you, but…' I think that held us back because we never doubted each other's intentions.”
'Michelle is a special woman. Even though she drives me crazy sometimes, I never thought there was anyone I'd rather be with.”
