Malia Obama is being accused of borrowing too heavily from an independent film for a recent Nike advertisement she directed.

Director Natalie Jasmine Harris says Obama’s Nike commercial closely resembles a key scene from her 2024 independent film “Grace” and believes the brand prioritized celebrity status over original filmmaking, Breitbart News reported.

Obama’s commercial, created as part of a promotional campaign for Nike, features a sequence in which two girls play pat-a-cake—a moment now at the center of the plagiarism claims. Harris, the writer-director of “Grace,” argues that while the action itself is common, the way it was captured mirrors her work too closely for comfort. She referenced the use of camera angles and framing as nearly identical to a pivotal scene in her film.

Director Points to Specific Visual Similarities

“It’s not about the game,” Harris told Business Insider. She emphasized her concern lies in the cinematic approach used to depict it rather than the content of the scene itself. Harris believes these choices were distinctive in “Grace” and therefore should not be replicated without acknowledgment or credit.

Harris publicly addressed the issue on May 5 via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. In her message, she expressed deep disappointment, stating that experiences like this are particularly painful for filmmakers who put care and effort into their work but receive little attention or compensation. She questioned why corporations like Nike would not simply approach the original creators if they admire a specific artistic style.

The initial post sparked growing attention online, particularly among supporters of independent artists and those concerned with fair representation in creative industries. Harris cited broader issues involving brands relying on well-known names while overlooking innovators without a platform.

Concerns About Industry Priorities and Equity

“I know art often overlaps,” Harris wrote in her statement on X. However, she stressed that it is disheartening when hard-earned creative efforts go unrecognized, especially while those with prominent last names receive high-profile opportunities. She described the experience as “devastating.”

Obama’s involvement in the Nike project drew attention due to her now-growing reputation as a director and screenwriter, separate from her public identity as the daughter of former President Barack Obama. The commercial is one of her most visible projects to date, though little else is publicly known about her work on the campaign or Nike’s decision-making process in hiring her.

Harris, whose film “Grace” debuted to acclaim in 2024, said she and Obama had met at the Sundance Film Festival, where the film was screened. That meeting adds an additional layer to the controversy, suggesting Obama may have been familiar with the work prior to directing the commercial in question.

Debate Over Recognition and Originality

In continued remarks to Business Insider, Harris spoke about the potential harm that trends like this create for budding filmmakers. She claimed this pattern leads to a creative environment in which originality is stifled by brand loyalty to famous names. According to her, this preference results in fewer opportunities for new voices to shape the artistic conversation.

“It speaks to a larger issue,” Harris said, referencing what she sees as a systemic flaw in how companies source and select creative talent. She cautioned that these decisions could discourage innovation and limit whose stories are told in popular media campaigns. Harris remains vocal about the need for larger platforms to support independent film talent.

As the conversation continues, neither Nike nor Malia Obama has issued a public statement in response to Harris’s claims. The absence of a response has fueled skepticism among some observers, further amplifying the calls for transparency and accountability from major brands when working with creatives.

No Public Response from Nike or Obama

Harris’s call for support of independent filmmakers has resonated beyond the immediate allegations, raising questions about how artistic ownership should be acknowledged and protected. For many, this case serves as an example of the challenges faced by lesser-known artists competing in spaces dominated by established names.

Meanwhile, Obama has seen her profile rise in recent years as she explores a career in the arts. Despite growing attention on this current matter, she has not directly addressed the controversy or offered comment on the similarities in question. Her future projects and partnerships could be influenced by how this issue unfolds publicly.

Moving Forward in a Crowded Creative Landscape

As the artistic community monitors developments, many have voiced support for Harris and emphasized the emotional toll such disputes can take. With social media providing a platform for independent voices, debates like this find a broader audience and larger implications. The controversy may prompt further examination of industry standards around inspiration versus imitation. For Harris, the priority remains to elevate original storytelling and ensure creators are valued for what they produce and how they express it.