North West’s recent performance in  The Lion King Lion King stage show has ignited a lively debate on social media, highlighting discussions around nepotism in the entertainment industry. The 10-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West made her Hollywood debut at the  Hollywood Bowl on May 24th and 25th, performing as young Simba during the “Lift to Film” concert event celebrating 30 years of  Disney’s  The Lion King.

North’s rendition of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” was met with praise from Jason Weaver, the original singing voice of young Simba. Her performance was further bolstered by the presence and support of her family, including her parents, aunt Kourtney Kardashian, and uncle Travis Barker. The audience at the event gave North a standing ovation, indicating strong support from those in attendance.

However, the response on social media was mixed. Many users on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressed concerns about nepotism—where opportunities are given to individuals based on family connections rather than merit. Critics argued that North’s role in the show might have been secured due to her influential parents, rather than her talent or hard work. One user commented, “North West in  The Lion King Lion King play was definitely a decision,” while another added, “So many other talented kids deserve that role.”

The discussion around North’s performance extended to her costume. Some users felt that her yellow hoodie was out of place compared to the intricate and beautiful costumes typically associated with  The Lion King Lion King. One user pointed out, “Lion King costumes are so beautiful and intricate and she’s stomping around in a yellow hoodie.”

Despite the criticism, North also received significant support from fans who praised her performance and highlighted her young age. One user wrote, “She looked like she is having a wonderful time, that is all that matters,” while another added, “North West did an amazing performance at  The Lion King Lion King 30th Anniversary especially for 10 years old.” A third commenter criticized those attacking North, saying, “A lot of y’all are being very weird about North West being in The Lion King as if you don’t know that this is how nepotism works. Like we all know there are talented kids who deserve to be Simba but y’all bullying a literal kid is just not it.”

Jason Weaver also weighed in on the controversy, offering his support to North. On Instagram, he wrote, “What an honor it is to share the same stage with this young superstar in the making. I’m so proud of you North, you’re doing such a phenomenal job in this show.”

The broader conversation about nepotism in Hollywood is not new. Many argue that children of celebrities often receive opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to others. This phenomenon, often referred to as “nepo babies,” highlights a systemic issue where connections and privilege can overshadow talent and hard work. Critics argue that this undermines the meritocratic ideal that talent should be the primary factor in achieving success.

Supporters of North’s performance, however, argue that she should be allowed to enjoy her achievements without being subjected to harsh criticism. They emphasize that she is still a child and that her joy and enthusiasm should be celebrated rather than scrutinized.

In conclusion, North West’s debut in  The Lion King Lion King at the  Hollywood Bowl has sparked a multifaceted debate about nepotism, talent, and privilege in the entertainment industry. While her performance received a warm reception from the audience and support from her family and Jason Weaver, it also faced criticism online. This event has reignited discussions about how opportunities are distributed in Hollywood and whether children of celebrities are unfairly advantaged. As the conversation continues, it highlights the ongoing tensions between merit and privilege in the world of entertainment.