Michelle Obama paid over $700,000 for German talk on ‘inclusivity and diversity’

It has since been revealed that the former first lady was paid nearly $750,000 for the speaking engagement, which lasted only an hour.

According to the Daily Mail, sources close to the festival's organizers said Mrs. Obama's rate was "one of the highest fees that they ever have paid," adding, "they really pulled out all the stops to get her."

On its website, Bits & Pretzels claimed that Mrs Obama has been the most requested guest, having "topped the list year after year."

"We strongly believe in our mission of helping founders to shape a better future," festival organizers wrote, "and Michelle Obama's story of determination, community, and personal conviction is nothing short of inspiring."

"Drawing on her experiences as an accomplished attorney, bestselling author, Grammy winner, loving wife and mother, and former First Lady of the United States," they continued, "Mrs. Obama will encourage the audience to embrace their unique strengths and push past self-doubt while discussing the importance of inclusivity and diversity."

She and Jalbout were the keynote event on the festival's second day, occupying the 6 pm - 7 pm slot.

Other notable speakers at the Oktoberfest-adjacent event include AirBnB founder Nathan Blecharczyk, German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck, and former football legend turned entrepreneur Oliver Kahn.

Michelle is not the first Obama to take the stage at the festival. In 2019, her husband Barack was invited to speak about leadership and how those in power can tackle the biggest problems facing the world.

Since leaving office, the pair have done well for themselves financially, netting book deals and TV specials worth millions, as well as countless speaking engagements.