Obamas Hurt by Etta's Rampage

I don't even care what you think.

But the diva claims it was "just a joke"...

I'm not sure if part of President Obama's very stern press conference last night was related to Etta James' harsh comments about his ears and presidency, but it just might be. Because the latest word on the Etta James/Beyonce firecane is that the Prez and First Lady are not happy with the legendary singer's diss.

Someone within the White House admits, ''It never crossed anyone's mind that there was anything inappropriate about Beyonce singing that song." They go on to say:

''First of all, the message of the song was so perfect. Beyonce sang it in the ('Cadillac Records') film, and I don't think the people organizing that event even knew Etta was still performing. I'm sure some of the younger people involved didn't even know she is still alive!''

Wow, that's a little reminiscent of Hilary Duff's comments about Faye Dunaway.

To add insult to insult, an undisclosed family member is suggesting that Etta's wacko rant might have been inspired by "over medication."

For her part, Etta is claiming the whole thing was just a joke:

"I didn't really mean anything. Even as a little child, I've always had that comedian kind of attitude. Nobody was getting mad at me in Seattle. They were all laughing, and it was funny."

Note to Ms. James: don't base your public statements off of what you think people in Seattle think is funny. People in Seattle are typically drunk most of the time to escape the crushing darkness and rain.

What's next in this dueling diva showdown situation? I'm pulling for a sing-off. No pre-recorded tracks, Sasha.