Growing up in front of the eyes of the public isn’t something Malia Obama is not familiar with. Being the daughter of the former president of the United States, Barak Obama, she has spent her life under the limelight, and even today, the media is interested in her every move.
The 25-year-old just presented her directorial debut, The Heart, at the Sundance Film Festival. In the Sundance Institute’s “Meet the Artist” spotlight video, Malia Obama revealed she was going by the name Malia Ann, thus ditching her moniker.
Malia, who was born Malia Ann Obama on July 4, 1998, has her middle name honoring her paternal grandmother, who died from ovarian cancer at the age of 52 in 1995, and now, she has dropped her last name in favor of her middle name.
Speaking of the short film for which she served as both director and screenwriter, Malia said. “This is an odd little story, somewhat of fable, about a man grieving the death of his mother after she leaves him an unusual request in her will.” Further, in the YouTube clip of the short film, she wrote, “The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in these things.”
The Heat isn’t her first attempt into the profession. Previously, the Harvard grad worked in the writers’ room on Donald’s Amazon Prime show Swarm, co-writing the fifth episode, “Girl, Bye.”
“She’s a very professional person,” Swarm‘s co-creator Janine Nabers said Malia in a January 2023 Vanity Fair interview. “She’s an incredible writer and artist. She made significant contributions… She’s very, truly committed to her craft.”
Swarm‘s executive producer Stephen Glover also spoke of Malia. “We can’t be easy on her just because she’s the [former] President’s daughter,” he told Vanity Fair. “No, she is really down-to-earth and cool. So it’s not an issue at all.”
Malia Obama isn’t the first celebrity who made the decision to ditch their family name. Other celebs have done that before, including Nicolas Cage, who changed his last name from Coppola, and Angelina Jolie, who dropped her surname, Voight.
For her directorial debut, Malia looked cozy, with minimal makeup, her curly hair down with small braids scattered throughout.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are EXPECTING FIRST BABY — They Reveal the Happy News in an Unusual Setting (Video inside)
Hailey Bieber, 27, is expecting her first baby with husband, Justin Bieber, 30. She disclosed her pregnancy news alongside the pop singer through a lovely Instagram video.
The celebrity opted to announce the big news to the world while exchanging a tender kiss during yet another vow renewal ceremony, this time, in Hawaii. The model showcased her growing belly, adorned in a tailor-made lace wedding gown by Anthony Vaccarello for Yves Saint Laurent, while she flaunted a new diamond ring.
In September 2018, Justin and Hailey Bieber had initially exchanged vows at a courthouse in New York City, coinciding with the day they acquired their marriage license. Later, the couple tied the knot again in a second ceremony held at the opulent Montage Palmetto Bluffs resort in South Carolina on September 30, 2019, surrounded by close friends and family.
Kendall Jenner swiftly expressed her emotions in the comment section of Hailey’s Instagram post, exclaiming, “Ahhhh, here come the tears again.” While Kim Kardashian commented, “I love you guys sooooo much!!!!”
Chrissy Teigen conveyed her excitement, writing, “EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! You are going to be an amazing amazing mommy oh boy get ready!!! So exciting, so happy for you both!!”
Kylie Jenner echoed sentiments of love, commenting, “I love you guys!!!! Ahhhhhhhh” while Kris Jenner wrote, “We are so so excited, can’t wait can’t wait what a blessing!!!!!”
Last year, while the couple has expressed a desire for children, Hailey had voiced concerns about raising a family in the public eye, saying, “I want kids so bad, but I get scared. It’s enough that people say things about my husband or my friends… I can’t imagine having to confront people saying things about a child. We can only do the best we can to raise them. As long as they feel loved and safe.”
Justin and Hailey’s journey began in 2009 when they were introduced by Hailey’s father, leading to a brief romance in 2016 amidst Justin’s tumultuous relationship with Selena Gomez. After finally parting ways with Gomez in 2018, Justin found solace in Hailey’s companionship, and they’ve been inseparable since.
Despite facing challenges, including a difficult first year of marriage, Justin and Hailey have openly discussed their struggles with trust and trauma. However, they’ve emerged stronger and more stable in their relationship.
Celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary last September, both Justin and Hailey took to Instagram to share heartfelt tributes to one another.
Hailey’s post was short yet poignant, a simple “5. I love you.” While Justin’s tribute to his beloved wife was more elaborate; he expressed deep affection and gratitude for their journey together, writing, “To the most precious, my beloved. 5 years. You have captivated my heart. I know from the depths of my soul down to my bones that this journey with you will only exceed our wildest expectations. So let’s keep dreaming big baby. Cheers to forever and ever. I love you with every fiber of my being. HAPPY 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!”
Recently, Bieber took to social media to share a glimpse into his emotional journey through a collection of photos capturing different facets of his life. It was the last two images that resonated deeply with fans. In these selfies, Bieber revealed tears streaming down his face, showcasing his raw vulnerability and inviting the world to witness his emotional state.
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