Malia Obama is really making headlines right now! Fresh from grabbing headlines for allegedly copying an independent filmmaker’s work in a recent Nike commercial, Barack Obama and Michelle Obama‘s eldest daughter is garnering attention for slightly more positive reasons too!
The former First Daughter, 26, has reportedly followed in the footsteps of other famous celebrity offspring and dropped her last name. However, this isn’t anything to do with family feuds (as was the case for some of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie‘s kids, who reportedly no longer wanted their father’s last name) but it’s more to do with avoiding nepo baby controversy. Keep reading for more info…
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Malia Obama Now Goes By 'Malia Ann' Professionally
According to reports, Barack and Michelle's firstborn now goes by Malia Ann, i.e., her first name and middle name, when it comes to professional projects. She used this name for the credits of the short film The Heart, which she wrote and directed, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024.
The former First Lady addressed her daughter's decision during an appearance on the Sibling Revelry podcast co-hosted by Kate Hudson and her brother Oliver Hudson on Wednesday, June 4th. And to say she was proud would be an understatement!
Michelle Obama Addresses Her Daughter's Decision To Drop Her Famous Last Name
In reference to Malia dropping her last name in the film credits, the IMO podcast host said: "She took off her last name, and we were like, they're still going to know it's you, Malia. But we respected the fact that she's trying to make her way."
The "Becoming" author explained that her younger daughter Sasha Obama, 23, is also very conscious of working hard for her success, adding: "It is very important for my kids to feel like they've earned what they are getting in the world."
She continued: "They don't want people to assume that they don't work hard, that they're just naturally, just handed things. They're very sensitive to that – they want to be their own people."
