Barack Obama's daughter Malia drops her last name professionally; here's how the ex-President really feels about the decision

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Malia Obama, daughter of former President Barack Obama, has chosen to drop her last name professionally for her directorial debut. Barack Obama shared his thoughts on this decision during an episode of the “Pivot” podcast. He noted that while Malia hoped to avoid being associated with her famous family, people would still recognize her identity.

Barack Obama's Supportive Reaction

Barack mentioned that Malia wanted audiences to watch her film, “The Heart,” without any preconceived notions tied to the Obama name. He expressed understanding of her desire to establish her own identity in the film industry. Despite his concerns, he respects Malia's choice to distance herself from the family name in her professional career.

In his discussion, Barack highlighted that both of his daughters, including Sasha, do not want to leverage their last name for career advantages. He emphasized their independence and sensitivity regarding their public identity. “The challenge for us is letting us give them any help at all,” he explained, showcasing the values of hard work instilled in them.

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Public Response and Support

Malia's decision has drawn mixed reactions online, with some questioning the need to drop the last name. Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of “The View,” defended Malia, stating that she has the right to choose her own name and identity. Goldberg encouraged others to respect Malia's choice, reinforcing that everyone