Michelle Obama Opens Up About Malia’s Decision to Drop Family Name in Hollywood Debut
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has broken her silence after her eldest daughter, Malia Obama, made headlines for distancing herself from the family name during her Hollywood debut. Malia, now 26, chose to be credited as Malia Ann—her first and middle names—in her 2023 film project The Heart, sparking widespread speculation about her intentions.
Speaking candidly on the Sibling Revelry podcast hosted by Kate and Oliver Hudson, Michelle addressed the name change for the first time. Sitting alongside her brother Craig Robinson, Michelle said the family respects Malia’s desire to forge her own identity, even if the public still recognizes her.
“Her first project—she took off her last name,” Michelle said. “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.”
A Quiet Rebellion That Began in Their Teens
Michelle revealed that Malia and her younger sister Sasha, now 23, began distancing themselves from the Obama name as teenagers. As daughters of one of the most recognizable political couples in modern history, both young women have been keenly aware of the shadow cast by their parents’ legacy.
“They definitely went through a period in their teen years where it was the push away,” Michelle explained. “They’re still doing that.”
Michelle also highlighted their deep desire to succeed based on merit, not connections.
“It is very important for my kids to feel like they’ve earned what they are getting in the world,” she said. “They don’t want people to assume they didn’t work hard or that they were just handed things. They’re very sensitive to that. They want to be their own people.”
A Subtle Yet Symbolic Break
While Malia’s decision to drop her last name may seem minor, it has fueled broader public discussion about identity, fame, and legacy in the era of celebrity politics. Critics and commentators have questioned whether the move is a rejection of her family’s political legacy or simply a professional strategy to build a name free from assumptions.
Michelle’s response makes it clear: while the family didn’t expect the change, they understand it—and even admire Malia’s determination to step out from the long shadow of the Obama name.
“She’s trying to make her own way,” Michelle said. “And we support that.”