The recent performance of North West at The Lion King’s 30th anniversary has stirred significant controversy, primarily centered around the issues of nepotism and the exploitation of young talent. The 10-year-old, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, faced criticism on TikTok for her performance, with many attendees expressing disappointment over the quality, especially given the high ticket prices. This situation raises important questions about the responsibility of parents, corporations, and the ethics of using celebrity children for commercial gain.

Critics argue that North’s participation in such a high-profile event is a clear example of nepotism. The accusation is that Kim and Kanye paid for her spot, leveraging their status to provide North with an opportunity that many young, talented performers could only dream of. However, the backlash shouldn’t be directed at North herself. At ten years old, she is exploring her interests and building confidence, which is commendable. The focus should be on Kim and Kanye’s decision to place her in a situation that subjected her to public scrutiny. Both parents, despite their fame, should be more mindful of protecting North from potential harm and ensuring she is adequately prepared for such significant roles.

The primary entity to be scrutinized here is Disney. By casting North, Disney capitalized on her celebrity status to sell tickets, likely knowing that her performance might not meet the high standards expected of a Broadway production. Disney’s choice reflects a broader trend in entertainment where companies exploit the fame of celebrity children for financial gain without considering the potential negative consequences for the child involved. This approach not only disrespects the art of Broadway but also places undue pressure on young performers.

A 30th anniversary performance of a Broadway show like The Lion King is typically expected to showcase the best talent available, often featuring performers who have trained for years. Audience members who paid substantial amounts for tickets anticipated a high-caliber performance. Instead, they witnessed what some described as a “cute” but unpolished performance from North. This disparity between expectation and reality contributed to the disappointment and criticism.

It is crucial to recognize the potential impact on North herself. Being thrust into the spotlight at such a young age can have lasting effects on her mental and emotional well-being. The backlash, though misdirected at her, can be damaging. It’s important for Kim and Kanye to provide her with a balanced environment where she can explore her talents without the pressures of public scrutiny.

The incident with North West at The Lion King’s anniversary highlights the complex interplay between nepotism, corporate exploitation, and the protection of young talent. While it is natural for parents to support their children’s ambitions, it is equally important to shield them from premature exposure and criticism. Disney and similar corporations must also be held accountable for their role in exploiting celebrity children for profit. Ultimately, the goal should be to foster a supportive environment where young talents can grow and thrive without undue pressure or exploitation.

As the public, our role should be to advocate for ethical practices in the entertainment industry, ensuring that opportunities are granted based on merit and that young performers are protected from potential harm. This incident serves as a reminder of the broader issues at play and the need for a more thoughtful and ethical approach to nurturing young talent.