(The Root) — Michelle Obama took a moment deliver a verbal chin check to a heckler during a private fundraiser on Tuesday. Ellen Sturtz got more than she bargained for when she interrupted the first lady, demanding that President Obama sign an anti-discrimination executive order similar to the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA.
According to a White House transcript, the first lady directly approached Sturtz, saying, "Listen to me or you can take the mic, but I'm leaving. You all decide. You have a choice." Once she threatened to leave, others in attendance reportedly told Sturtz that she had to go. (It is unknown if Beyoncé's "Grown Woman" was played or quoted by Obama during this exchange.)
Sturtz, who was planted at the fundraiser by gay rights group Get Equal, stated that she was "taken aback" by Obama's response, because apparently the idea that she would do anything besides hand Sturtz the microphone and get her husband on the phone is surprising. Perhaps sensing that the first lady would no doubt be labeled an "angry black woman" for responding the way most people would, black folks on Twitter tweeted their support.
I am spending zero seconds defending FLOTUS for there is nothing to defend. Rock on, Michelle Obama.
— Wieland (@lawscribe) June 5, 2013
As for all the "angry black woman" meme BS, take a hike. The disrespect shown to the President and First lady is appalling, and racist.
— ProfB (@AntheaButler) June 5, 2013
@brokeymcpoverty On top of that, no one expects the FLOTUS to have a voice. We applause Hillary Clinton for clapping back, but not Michelle?
— Trillary Clinton (@mofiwe) June 5, 2013
Read more at the Washington Post.
Tracy Clayton is a writer, humorist and blogger from Louisville, Ky.