Michelle Obama is addressing daughter Malia’s headline-making decision to professionally go by “Malia Ann” — and why both she and former President Barack Obama fully support the move.
In a candid conversation on the latest episode of Sibling Revelry With Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson, the former First Lady opened up about her eldest daughter’s desire to build a career on her own terms — one free from the weight and expectations that come with being an Obama.
“I mean, it is very important for my kids to feel like they’ve earned what they are getting in the world,” Michelle said, referring to daughters Malia, 25, and Sasha, 23. “They don’t want people to assume that they don’t work hard, that they’re just handed things. They’re very sensitive to that.”
Malia, who is currently establishing herself in Hollywood as a writer and director, made waves earlier this year when she premiered her short film The Heart at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival under the name Malia Ann — her middle name. It marked her red carpet debut as a filmmaker and the formal introduction of her professional identity.
Michelle revealed that she and Barack initially questioned the decision, but ultimately understood their daughter’s reasoning. “Her first project, she took off her last name,” she recalled. “And [Barack and I] 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 emphasized that both of her daughters have long sought to create space for themselves beyond the shadow of their famous last name. “They are young adult women, but they definitely went through a period in their teen years where it was the push away,” she said. “That phase where you’re trying to distinguish yourself.”
This isn’t the first time the Obamas have publicly discussed Malia’s professional choices. In a 2024 interview on The Pivot Podcast, Barack Obama shared a similar anecdote. “You do know they’ll know who you are,” he told Malia, to which she reportedly replied, “I want them to watch it that first time and not in any way have that association.”
Malia, who previously worked as a writer on Donald Glover’s Amazon series Swarm, is among a growing number of celebrity children who are choosing to step away from family legacies in hopes of being seen on their own creative merits.
While the name change may not conceal her identity for long, it’s a clear signal: Malia Obama is stepping into the spotlight — but on her own terms.
