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Malia Obama Faces Backlash Over Alleged Ad Plagiarism

5/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Malia Obama is under fire for allegedly borrowing from indie filmmaker Natalie Jasmine Harris in her Nike commercial. Harris argues that the ad's scenes, especially the moment with two Black girls playing pat-a-cake, mirror her short film "Grace." She voiced her frustration over the industry's tendency to favor famous figures over emerging talent. Nike and Obama remain silent on the matter.

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Story summary

Malia Obama is under fire for allegedly borrowing from indie filmmaker Natalie Jasmine Harris in her Nike commercial. Harris argues that the ad's scenes, especially the moment with two Black girls playing pat-a-cake, mirror her short film "Grace." She voiced her frustration over the industry's tendency to favor famous figures over emerging talent. Nike and Obama remain silent on the matter.