Cam Newton is the latest high-profile figure to speak out against Josh Hokit, and the former NFL MVP didn't mince words when addressing the UFC heavyweight's latest controversy.
Speaking on his 4th & 1 podcast, Newton blasted Hokit over comments the fighter made about former First Lady Michelle Obama following his knockout win over Derrick Lewis at UFC Freedom 250, which was held on the South Lawn of the White House.
"In our culture, we don't play about certain individuals. Certain people are untouchable," Newton said. "If you utter anything disrespectful about an Obama, it doesn't matter if it's the daughters, it doesn't matter if it's the wife… They are some good people, they served this country well."
Newton made it clear that he believed Michelle Obama had been unfairly dragged into the spotlight.
"See, that was an innocent bystander," he continued. "But Mr. Josh, you're going to stay away from that one. We don't play about that one."
The former Carolina Panthers quarterback also questioned Hokit's judgment and criticized the tone of the comments themselves.
"Who knows whether he was in his right or wrong mind," Newton said. "But at the end of the day… be very careful and be very mindful, the people who you ain't cool with or who you don't like."
He reserved some of his strongest criticism for the overall spectacle surrounding the moment.
"The fact that even Joe Rogan was taken aback. That was tasteless. You're doing way too much," Newton said. "Brother, please think about what you said, because that was stupid."
Newton isn't alone. UFC CEO Dana White publicly condemned Hokit's remarks shortly after the event, distancing the promotion from the controversy. Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier also criticized the comments, describing them as "nasty."
Meanwhile, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith said the incident overshadowed what otherwise had been a historic card. Smith called Hokit's remark "disgusting" and "inexcusable."
The controversy also revived discussion surrounding Hokit's previous post-fight antics. Earlier this year, after defeating Denzel Freeman at UFC 324, the undefeated heavyweight launched into a lengthy rhyming speech that included the line, "P.S. Brittney Griner is a man."
Rogan laughed throughout that interview and later remarked, "Brittney Griner catching strays," before adding, "She doesn't deserve that."
Hokit has not issued a public apology for either incident as of this writing.
