Malia Obama’s Nike Ads Spark Controversy Over Alleged Copying

NEW YORK, May 9, 2025 — Malia Obama, daughter of former President Barack Obama, faced backlash for her direction of two Nike commercials featuring WNBA star A'ja Wilson. Released on May 3, the ads are said to share striking similarities with an indie filmmaker’s project.

Natalie Jasmine Harris, an NYU graduate, claims that Obama’s ad closely resembles her 2024 Sundance short film, “GRACE.” Harris took to social media to voice her concerns, stating, “My Sundance short film was made with deep love and care. The social cut of the new Nike commercial feels shockingly similar to my work.” In her posts, Harris expressed disappointment over the situation, suggesting that brands should hire emerging filmmakers rather than relying solely on more prominent names.

The commercials promote Wilson’s new signature shoe, the A’One, and celebrate her journey from a young girl in Columbia, South Carolina, to a star player. The ads feature scenes from Wilson’s upbringing, including cameos from her parents and her childhood church.

Wilson, a two-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has broken numerous records, including being the first player to score 1,000 points in a WNBA season. With her lucrative Nike extension deal, she continues to influence both sports and culture.

The third installment of the commercial series, titled “A’One from Day One,” is set to debut on May 9, highlighting interviews with residents of Columbia.

Malia Obama has been carving out her own path in the film industry after graduating from Harvard. She previously contributed as a writer on shows like HBO’s “Girls” and Donald Glover’s “Swarm.” The ads have drawn attention for their celebration of Black girlhood and empowerment, but now find themselves at the center of a debate over originality and artistic ownership.