Michelle Obama recently opened up about her daughter Malia’s decision to drop the Obama surname and go by “Malia Ann” in her film career.
According to Michelle, Malia wants to build her own identity and prove her worth without relying on her family’s fame.
Malia first introduced her new name at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where she premiered her short film “The Heart”. The name “Ann” is a tribute to her late grandmother, Ann Dunham.
Malia wants to be judged on her own merit and not her family’s legacy. “She doesn’t want people to assume she didn’t work hard for her achievements” she said.
Malia sister, Sasha prefer to keep their paths distinct from public expectations and politics.
Michelle respects Malia’s decision, understanding the importance of her daughter earning her own way and making her own name.
Barack Obama also supports Malia’s choice, acknowledging her desire to have her film judged on its own merit without any association with the Obama name.
