Former first lady Michelle Obama is addressing her eldest daughter Malia's decision to ditch her last name as she pursues a career in Hollywood.

US film director and daughter of former US president Malia Ann Obama arrives to attend the opening ceremony of the 50th edition of the Deauville American film festival in Deauville, northern France on September 6, 2024. (Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP) (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)

Michelle Obama knows that it’s not easy to be in the public eye. As the former First Lady of the United States, the scrutiny was real, and she empathizes with her daughter, Malia, 26, as she tries to forge her own path as a filmmaker.