In April 2022, rumors surfaced that Sasha Obama, the youngest daughter of Michelle and Barack Obama, was in a relationship with Clifton Powell Jr., the son of actor Clifton Powell. The news was confirmed two months later by Powell Sr., who not only acknowledged the relationship but also expressed his deep respect for the Obama family and shared the advice he gave his son on how to treat Sasha, reported by The Daily Mail.
Powell Sr., known for his role in the movie “Ray,” revealed during the “Dear Fathers” podcast in June 2022 that he took his son’s relationship with Sasha seriously, offering guidance rooted in respect and care. “Mr. Obama has a daughter that’s dating my son, and I have an opportunity and a responsibility to make my son responsible, gentle, kind, loving, and supportive,” Powell said. He emphasized the importance of treating Sasha well, saying, “I text him all the time and I say, ‘Treat Sasha like you would want somebody to treat your daughter.'”
The relationship between Sasha and Powell Jr. reportedly began in early 2021, after Sasha moved to California. However, by November 2022, sources told Media Take Out that the couple had amicably parted ways. “It wasn’t anything big. It’s just that Sasha is working on herself, her studies, and her career,” an insider shared. Despite the breakup, it seems that they remained on friendly terms, and Powell Jr. appears to have taken his father’s advice to heart.
Michelle Obama, who has witnessed her daughters’ growth with pride, admitted that adjusting to their dating lives has been a challenge. On “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in April 2022, Michelle reflected on how quickly her daughters have grown up, from being fans of pop bands like the Jonas Brothers to bringing “grown men” home. She hinted at the seriousness of Sasha’s relationship with Powell Jr. at the time, noting that “they loved the Jonas Brothers. Now they’re bringing grown men home.”
By November 2022, around the time reports of Sasha and Powell Jr.’s breakup emerged, Michelle spoke on “Good Morning America” about her daughters’ experiences in relationships. “I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “I want them to know what they want and who they are in a relationship. And that takes trying on some people.”
While the relationship between Sasha and Powell Jr. may have ended, the lessons imparted by Powell Sr. and the respect shown throughout suggest that it was a relationship built on mutual care and understanding.