North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, made a splash with her acting debut at The Hollywood Bowl. Her performance, however, ignited an online debate about nepotism.
During The Lion King's 30th anniversary concert, which took place on May 24 and May 25, West portrayed Young Simba and performed "I Just Can't Wait To Be King" in front of an audience that included her high-profile family members, Daily Mail reported.
Despite receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, West's performance was met with skepticism on social media, particularly on X (formerly known as Twitter). Detractors suggested that her opportunity arose more from her parents' fame than her talent.
Comments ranged from accusations of "classism" to humorous takes on the situation. Some noted that another child with equal or greater skill might have been overlooked due to a lack of family connections.
One user remarked, "Nepotism is literally the best thing to be born with," while another complained, "The worst case of nepo I have witnessed."
Throughout the concert, West's family showed unwavering support. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, along with other family members like Kris Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian, were present to cheer her on from the audience.
Kardashian documented the experience extensively on Instagram Stories, sharing photos of North, themed cupcakes, and all-access passes. She stood backstage, encouraging her daughter during the performance.
Previously, North had joined her father during his album release events and at the Rolling Loud Festival, indicating that performing is a passion that runs in the family.
North has recently ventured into music, announcing her first album, "Elementary School Dropout," in March. One of her songs, "Talking / Once Again," from the album "Vultures 1," entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 30.
In an interview with i-D, she expressed that her love for performing is mostly self-derived, though influenced in part by her father. "Performing is my favorite," she stated.
The Hollywood Bowl concert featured other notable performers, including Jennifer Hudson, Billy Eichner, Bradley Gibson, and Nathan Lane, adding star power to the event.
North West's portrayal of Young Simba has sparked debates on nepotism and opportunity, with her performance receiving mixed reviews. Critics point to her family's influence in securing the role, while supporters highlight her enthusiasm and the joy she brought to the performance.
As a child of prominent public figures and the granddaughter of Kris Jenner, North's entrance into the spotlight reflects her family's legacy and the ongoing discussions about fairness in the entertainment industry. Her acting debut at The Lion King's 30th Anniversary concert was criticized and applauded, illustrating the complex dynamics of her early career in show business.
