Melania Trump has come out in support of LeBron James after her husband, US President Donald Trump, insinuated the athlete was dumb on Twitter.
The basketball superstar was on CNN last week with Don Lemon, discussing the new public school he opened, which provides free tuition, uniforms and food for youth in his home town of Akron, Ohio.
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The school, which is a joint effort of the LeBron James Family Foundation and Akron Public Schools, will benefit at-risk children.
During the sit-down, James spoke of sports as something that unites people, and added that the President was "using sports to kinda divide us".
Mr Trump then took to Twitter to criticise the star, insulting both parties by calling Lemon the "dumbest man on television" and saying he "made LeBron look smart, which isn't easy to do".
The First Lady was then asked for comment on the situation, and a spokesperson responded on her behalf, saying "LeBron James is working to do good things on behalf of our next generation".
"As you know, Mrs Trump has travelled the country and world talking to children about their well-being, healthy living, and the importance of responsible online behaviour with her Be Best initiative," the statement continues.
"Her platform centres on visiting organizations, hospitals and schools, and she would be open to visiting the I Promise School in Akron."
Basketball legend Michael Jordan, who Mr Trump said he "liked" in the tweet about James and Lemon, has since sided with James in the debate.
"I support LJ. He is doing an amazing job for his community," Jordan told NBC News.
Other well-known names have offered support to James as well.
Newshub.
