The Hill News

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs weighed in Thursday on the controversy surrounding a remark allegedly made by Michelle Obama that her life was "hell," which surfaced in a biography of France's first lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

"French spokesman says 'The words attributed to the First Lady of the United States were never said,' " Gibbs tweeted, linking to a news report saying Michelle Obama denied making the remark.

Bruni-Sarkozy, who reportedly collaborated on the book Carla and the Ambitious, is described as having asked Obama how she is enjoying her time as first lady.

"Don't ask. It's hell. I can't stand it," Obama is said to have replied.

Michelle Obama's office also sharply denied the story Thursday.

"Mrs. Obama's spoke! swoman, Catherine McCormick-Lelyveld, tells CNN: 'The first lady never said that,' " the network reported.