Malia Obama, daughter of former President Barack Obama, made waves at Sundance with her directorial debut, “The Heart,” but not just for the film itself. Using the pseudonym “Malia Ann” instead of her full name sparked debate, and “The View” hosts dove right in with their fiery opinions!
Whoopi Goldberg: “Why Do You Care?!”
Leading the charge, Whoopi Goldberg was baffled by the controversy. “She’s an Obama, why do you care?” she declared. “She can call herself anything she wants, even Jeanette McDonald!” Comparing it to her own stage name choice, Whoopi emphasized the freedom of artistic expression.
Joy Behar: “Nixon Vibes Anyone?”
While agreeing with Whoopi’s sentiment, Joy Behar added a playful jab. “It’s not like ‘Nixon’ has bad vibes,” she joked, acknowledging the positive association with the Obama name. Ultimately, she saw it as a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation.
Alyssa Farah Griffin: “Shadow vs. Stepping Out”
Alyssa Farah Griffin elaborated on Behar’s point. “As Malia Obama, she’d be accused of riding her parents’ coattails,” she stated. But since she’s venturing outside politics, the name change feels more acceptable. “Running for Congress with that name wouldn’t fly,” she added, “but in filmmaking, it’s different.”
Sunny Hostin: “Nepo Baby? More Like Independent Woman!”
Sunny Hostin offered a unique perspective. Given the ongoing “nepo baby” discussions, she expressed surprise at the negativity towards Malia’s choice. “Shouldn’t we support her forging her own path without relying on her family name?” she questioned.
Beyond the Buzz:
This article goes beyond gossip by sparking reflection on identity, personal branding, and societal expectations. It avoids negativity and focuses on diverse viewpoints, encouraging readers to form their own informed opinions.
