Michelle Obama’s Equal Pay Call Before Venus Williams’ US Open Humbling Endorsed by Alex Morgan

Published 08/31/2023, 7:45 AM EDT

We’re seeing a huge outcry for equal and fair pay in the US. And quite rightly so. Earlier this year, the Hollywood Writers Guild (WGA) and the SAG-AFTRA went on strike to receive fair pay. And now former First Lady Michelle Obama has issued a call for equal pay for women in sports at the start of the US Open. Shortly following the statement, USWNT star forward Alex Morgan has also endorsed Michelle Obama’s initiative.

This was before tennis legend Venus Williams crashed out in Round 1 of the US Open. The 43-year-old former world no. 1 Venus Williams played what was her 100th match at the US Open. However, she eventually lost her opening match to Belgian Greet Minnen.

Alex Morgan reposts Michelle Obama’s equal pay initiative on social media

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USWNT star Alex Morgan has since taken to social media to express her support for Michelle Obama’s call for equal pay for female athletes in sports.

Morgan took to Instagram to share a story that reposted an article by Fortune Mag covering Obama’s statement. Speaking about women’s rights to equal pay in sports, Obama said, “Let us remember that all of this is far bigger than a champion’s paycheck.”

“We can use whatever platforms we have to speak out and fight to protect the progress we’ve made and level the playing field for our daughters and their daughters,” she added.

An unforgettable night at the@usopen, where we celebrated the 50th anniversary of equal prize money at the Grand Slam that was first to offer it.
Thank you to everyone who made this night possible, and to all those who continue to use their platforms to call for change. pic.twitter.com/NbHfKd2Frg
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) August 29, 2023

The statement comes on the occasion of the 50-year-anniversary of equal pay in the US Open, which was championed by former WTA player Billie Jean King who was a proponent of women’s equal pay ever since the 1970s.

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Alex Morgan vocal about Luis Rubiales incident

USWNT star Alex Morgan’s support for Michelle Obama comes shortly after the Luis Rubiales incident that shook the world after Spain’s FIFA Women’s World Cup win. Spanish FA boss Rubiales appeared to kiss Spain player Jenni Hermoso after the national team’s World Cup win.

The incident led to severe backlash around the world as several players stood in solidarity with Hermoso. Spanish soccer legends like Xavi and Andres Iniesta also made their own statements about the controversial incident. Following the outcry for Rubiales’ resignation, Alex Morgan also took her stance on the controversy, condemning “assault”, “misogyny” and “failures” by the Spanish FA.

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I'm disgusted by the public actions of Luis Rubiales. I stand by @Jennihermoso and the Spanish players. Winning a World Cup should be one of the best moments in these players' lives but instead it's overshadowed by assault, misogyny, and failures by the Spanish federation.
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) August 25, 2023

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It’s certain that these necessary burgeoning issues need to be addressed in the world of sport. So it’s no surprise that Morgan has offered support to them. And it’s certain that there needs to be a rethink from authorities and federations across sports to bring equality to female athletes across borders, sports, and divides.

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Written by:

With extensive knowledge & over 8+ years of experience as a soccer journalist, Gaurav knows the intricacies of the beautiful game inside out and is now working with EssentiallySports. He played as a No.10 on the pitch during his younger years, modeling his game around his idol Zinedine Zidane.

Edited by:

Sreeda U M

Michelle Obama’s Equal Pay Call Before Venus Williams’ US Open Humbling Endorsed by Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan reposts Michelle Obama’s equal pay initiative on social media

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Alex Morgan vocal about Luis Rubiales incident