Why is calling someone a “nepo baby” considered such a harsh insult? It seems
that having a famous parent is one of the biggest criticisms of someone’s career.
But why is that the case, and why is there such a stigma attached to the term
“nepo”?
One celebrity who strongly opposes the term is actress and model Lily-Rose
Depp. In a recent interview with Elle, she shared her thoughts on the topic,
saying, ‘It’s weird to me to reduce somebody to the idea that they’re only there
because it’s a generational thing. It just doesn’t make any sense. If somebody’s
mom or dad is a doctor, and the kid becomes a doctor, you’re not going to be
like, ‘Well, you’re only a doctor because your parent is a doctor.’ It’s like, no, I
went to medical school and trained.’ This comparison clearly struck a nerve,
and it’s clear that Lily finds the term reductive and dismissive of her talent. If
you’re unfamiliar with Lily’s parents, she’s the daughter of actor Johnny Depp
and singer Vanessa Paradis. Following in their footsteps, she’s pursued both
acting and modelling. At just 16, she became a brand ambassador for Chanel
and has remained one of the brand’s prominent faces ever since.
Her modelling career has been questioned, particularly in the context of runway
work. Though undeniably beautiful, her height of 5’3″ is unconventional for a
runway model. Her mother, Vanessa Paradis, was frequently seen in Chanel
throughout the ‘90s and was described as the brand’s “ultimate muse.” Lily has
often said that her mother is a major fashion influence on her, which could
explain her natural attraction to the brand. However, some have questioned
whether her connection to Chanel stems from her mother’s affiliation with the
brand. While this can’t be confirmed, it’s certainly worth considering. In terms
of acting, Lily has starred in several successful films, including The King,
Voyagers, and her latest project, Nosferatu, all of which received positive
reviews. Her only controversial project was her role in HBO’s The Idol, where
her acting abilities and reputation were questioned. However, her talent shines
through in many of her other roles and campaigns, and she has not credited her
success to her parents’ careers. Whether or not that is entirely true remains an
open question.
When I think of nepotism in the entertainment world, the first family that comes
to mind is the Kardashian/Jenner clan. Kendall Jenner, daughter of Olympic
athlete Caitlyn Jenner [former Bruce Jenner], has also spoken out against being labeled a “nepo baby.”
It’s important to remember that Kendall didn’t just grow up with a famous
Olympian father; she was also born into a high-profile family thanks to her
sister Kim Kardashian. Still, Kendall denies that these factors played a role in
her rise as a supermodel, including winning Model of the Year in 2016. She’s
mentioned that she took her last name off her modelling cards to be taken
seriously, attending casting calls in remote areas to prove herself.
Though Kendall is currently the highest-paid model worldwide, there’s ongoing
debate about whether her success truly reflects her abilities. Many argue that
other models with more talent and memorable qualities deserve to be paid more.
Kendall has often faced criticism for her runway walks and campaigns, with
some finding her style lackluster. Despite this, she’s achieved immense success
and is offended by the notion that her family connections have played any part
in her career.
Another celebrity who takes issue with the idea of nepotism benefiting her is
singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams. Gracie, the daughter of filmmaker J.J.
Abrams and producer Katie McGrath, found her music gaining significant
attention at the same time the nepotism conversation was gaining momentum.
Though she had a loyal fanbase, her profile grew even more when she opened
for Taylor Swift on the Eras Tour. In 2022, Gracie spoke about her views on
nepotism, admitting that she intentionally distanced herself from her parents’
influence in her career. She’s since elaborated, stating that familial connections
are beyond anyone’s control. In a 2023 Rolling Stone interview, she shared that
she doesn’t find the term “nepo baby” insulting but emphasised that she’s
worked hard to maintain separation from her parents in her career.
While Gracie may have distanced herself from her parents’ influence, it’s
undeniable that her connections within the entertainment industry have afforded
her opportunities that most people don’t have. However, she’s quick to point out
that her father’s focus is on film, not music.
The question remains: How should nepo babies respond when they’re called out
for something they didn’t ask for? There seems to be a prevailing belief that
being labeled a “nepo baby” undermines their talent and success. Personally, I
don’t think the term implies that their abilities aren’t valid—it’s just a fact that
they have famous parents. What’s clear, though, is that the term is disliked by
most who are labeled with it. So, if you want to avoid conflict, maybe it’s best to
steer clear of calling anyone a “nepo baby.”