Sasha Obama’s Smoking Habit Sparks Conversation, But Many Rush to Her Defense
Hannes Magerstaedt/Getty Images /BACKGRID
A recently surfaced photo of Sasha Obama shows that she still shares a common habit with her older sister, Malia Obama: smoking. Sasha, who graduated from USC with a sociology degree in May 2024, was spotted smoking while driving in Los Angeles, appearing deep in thought as she navigated traffic.
While her habit might not be newsworthy for another Gen Z public figure, Sasha’s connection to her father, former President Barack Obama, adds an element of controversy to the image. This latest sighting comes roughly a year after Malia was also photographed smoking in public.
According to OK Magazine, Malia, who is building a career in the film industry, was seen taking a break with friends in Los Angeles in October 2023, visibly annoyed by the paparazzi’s attention. Unlike her father, who has openly discussed his smoking struggles, Malia has not addressed the public scrutiny of her own habits.
Barack Obama’s history with smoking has been well-documented, much of it through his own words. During his presidency, he openly acknowledged his battles with smoking. In a 2009 press conference, he said, “As a former smoker, I constantly struggle with it.
Have I fallen off the wagon sometimes? Yes… But I don’t do it in front of my kids or my family.” By 2013, he credited his decision to quit largely to his wife Michelle, humorously admitting, “I’m scared of my wife.” The former president’s own youthful indiscretions with smoking have also surfaced in stories from his past, (via CBS News).
In one instance, he recalled being kicked out of Disneyland for smoking on the park’s gondolas, a transgression that led to his removal from the Magic Kingdom, though he was graciously invited to return. Sasha’s smoking has ignited conversations on social media, with much of the discussion focusing less on health concerns and more on her right to live her life, (via People).
One Reddit user summed it up sarcastically, writing, “A 22-year-old has bad habits. More news at 10.” Others defended her privacy, with one commenter saying, “Her life is none of their business. She can do what she wants as long as she isn’t hurting anyone.”
While some jokes were made about the potential political impact of the photo on her father, the general sentiment has been one of support for Sasha, reminding critics that young adults often explore their own paths, vices included.
