Malia Obama Faces Plagiarism Claims Over Nike Ad

Malia Obama, daughter of former President Barack Obama, has been accused by indie filmmaker Natalie Jasmine Harris of plagiarizing her 2024 Sundance short film "Grace" in a Nike commercial directed by Obama. Harris alleges that the commercial features a scene with two young Black girls playing pat-a-cake that is shot with strikingly similar camera angles, framing, and color palette as her film, highlighting detailed cinematic tools used rather than just the action itself. The two filmmakers reportedly met at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where both their films were in competition, intensifying Harris's feelings of being overlooked by the industry in favor of more recognized names. Harris expressed frustration over the broader issue of brands not supporting independent artists and suggested that if a particular aesthetic was desired, brands should hire the original creators rather than opting for celebrity direction. The accusations sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some defending Obama and others supporting Harris's claims, with Harris even considering legal action. The controversy spotlights ongoing challenges independent filmmakers face in gaining recognition and protecting their original work amid high-profile projects.