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)

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.

Former first lady Michelle Obama said she “respected” her daughter’s choice to drop her famous last name. Speaking on the podcast “Sibling Revelry With Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson,” Obama said she wasn’t sure at first about Malia Obama’s decision to go by Malia Ann when she entered her short film at the Sundance Film Festival last year.