Michelle Obama is facing a barrage of criticism after appearing without a headscarf during an appearance in Saudi Arabia this week with President Barack Obama.
The Obamas visited Saudi Arabia Tuesday to share their condolences after the
death of King Abdullah, The Associated Press reported. Women in the country are required to wear a headscarf, but foreign women are not.
The appearance sparked a conversation on Twitter, using a hashtag that translates to
#Michelle_Obama_unveiled, The Washington Post reported. Some tweets were critical while others were supportive of the first lady.
Only 37 percent of tweets using the hashtag
came from Saudi Arabia, the BBC reported, and many were “making fun of the situation and of conservative Saudi regulations.”
Saudi Arabia has received international criticism for its strict rules from many human rights advocates.
ABC News said the first lady was leading by example by appearing without a headscarf.
An article on The Hill's website pointed out that other female dignitaries have traveled to Saudi Arabia without wearing a head covering, including Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and Laura Bush.
Twitter weighed in on the discussion.
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