Former President Barack Obama's children don't make the headlines as much as their parents do, but that changed this week after one of the former president's daughters found herself on the end of a plagiarism accusation.

According to the Daily Mail, Malia Obama was accused by an independent filmmaker who premiered her film at Sundance of ripping off an idea that Obama used in directing a new Nike commercial. 

Natalie Jasmine Harris, 27, said that Malia's work was "shockingly similar" to her own, even providing examples of the similarities in both the Nike ad and Harris's film.

Harris revealed in a post that she believes her work was copied by Malia Obama, who she said was at the same Sundance Festival where she premiered her film.

What's going on?

Harris held nothing back in her accusation of plagiarism against Malia Obama.

"Been sitting with this for a while. My Sundance short film Grace (shot brilliantly by Tehillah de Castro) was made with deep love and care," Harris wrote.

She added, "The social cut of the new @Nike commercial directed by Malia Obama (who was also at Sundance my year) feels shockingly similar to my work…"

Malia Obama accused of plagiarism after directing Nike commercial. pic.twitter.com/64hgSUn97p

— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) May 19, 2025

The Daily Mail added:

Natalie went on to say that even though art often overlaps, 'moments like this hit hard when you’ve poured your heart into telling stories with care and barely get the recognition you deserve.

'If brands want a certain look, why not hire from the source instead of for name recognition?'

The accusation quickly went viral, given Malia Obama's high-profile status, with some agreeing with Harris and others insisting that the two works were different enough.

Social media reacts

Thousands commented on the issue, with mixed reactions.

"You definitely need to sue, this is blatant plagiarism, and you know she saw your short film, you two were competing in 2024! Don’t let this go unpunished," one person wrote.

Another wrote, "You’re reaching… so black girls playing patty cake is an original image you created?"

Only time will tell if it's proven that Harris's work was ripped off.