Sasha Obama, the daughter of former US President Barack Obama. PHOTOS | COURTESY
Sasha Obama, the daughter of former US President Barack Obama, has found herself in the middle of a social media storm following the circulation of photographs depicting her smoking while out with friends.
The images, widely shared across various social media platforms, captured Sasha dressed in a revealing outfit, while casually holding what appeared to be a cigarette.
The 22-year-old opted for a relaxed look, donning black flip-flops and sporting long braids. She appeared to be makeup-free during her outing in West Hollywood, California.
This incident is reminiscent of the controversy involving her elder sister, Malia Obama, who was pictured in 2016 with what was suspected to be a cannabis joint.
The incident sparked discussions about the former president’s history of smoking.
Mr Obama openly acknowledged he consumed cannabis during his youth and was part of a group of friends humorously referred to as the “choom gang” during his time in Hawaii.
Mr Obama disclosed that he began smoking cigarettes as a teenager, and publicly announced quitting in 2010.
This decision was not without challenges, and his wife, Michelle Obama, mentioned in a past interview from February 2011 that he had not smoked in “almost a year.”
She said Obama was determined to set a positive example for their two daughters and inform them that he was no longer a smoker.
In recent years, Mr Obama has been seen using smoking cessation gum as part of his efforts to kick the habit for good.
The emergence of Sasha’s recent photos has ignited a spirited debate online, with netizens sharing a wide range of opinions and views on the matter.