Whoopi Goldberg recently defended Malia Obama’s decision to use her first and middle names, Malia Ann, instead of her famous last name for her creative endeavors.
Malia made headlines when she premiered her debut short film, “The Heart,” at the Sundance Film Festival last month. Despite being the daughter of former US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, she opted not to use her last name professionally.
Goldberg addressed critics who speculated that Malia’s choice was an attempt to distance herself from her family’s legacy. She argued on “The View” that Malia has every right to choose her own identity, just like she chose her stage name inspired by a whoopee cushion.
While acknowledging the positive associations with the Obama name, Goldberg emphasized the importance of respecting Malia’s autonomy in deciding how she wants to be known professionally.
Joy Behar also chimed in, acknowledging the weight of the Obama name but supporting Malia’s right to use whatever name she prefers.
Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin echoed the sentiment, pointing out the unfair scrutiny Malia faces regardless of her decision. She highlighted the challenges of living under the shadow of her parents’ fame.
Malia’s film, “The Heart,” delves into themes of grief, forgiveness, and regret. Before stepping into the director’s role, she gained experience as a writer and production assistant on various television projects.
In summary, Goldberg and her co-hosts expressed support for Malia Obama’s autonomy in defining her own identity amidst public scrutiny.
