The Kardashians have been no stranger to controversy. Since their rise to fame in the early 2000s, they have constantly been the talk of the town. Now, this drama is introducing itself to the next generation as Kim Kardashian faces criticism for North West's performance in the Hollywood Bowl on May 24-25, 2024, as young Simba in a live-to-film concert event celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Lion King. West took the stage as a special guest and was welcomed by Jason Weaver, the original voice of young Simba in the movie.
She sang "I Just Can't Wait To Be King" while donning a yellow furry hooded sweatshirt with matching shorts, socks, and furry slippers, all owned by her. The costume was put together by Eli Russell Linnetz, who channeled the label's streetwear into the young Simba costume. Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian Barker, Travis Barker, Kris Jenner, and even Kanye West proudly sat in the crowd.
The Skims founder shared behind-the-scenes videos of her daughter backstage on social media. According to Mirror, North West received a standing ovation for the performance and garnered millions of views over TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X (Formally known as Twitter).
The performance sparked criticism all over social media when it came out that North's family had a massive involvement in getting her the role. This incident is an ode to nepotism (aka nepo) babies in Hollywood receiving roles due to their family & friends. Reports say that due to the Kardashian's connection to Disney and Kim paying money to the casting director, North only needed to be able to carry a tune, and she could get the part.
A reddit user gave their thoughts on the matter by saying, "It is not charming or okay in anyway. This speaks to a bigger societal issue. Children who are taught they can buy everything, including undeserved opportunities become greedy adults who buy everything and hoard wealth. This isn’t cute. This is a front and center example of the United States failures. Stealing opportunities from hardworking and talented kids is not okay bc someone is rich, and being ten years old isn’t an excuse. While this isn’t North’s fault, this entire stunt should be criticized bc this is beyond wrong. This is why we have a culture of nepotism and classism."
Some theater parents have been posting on TikTok, sharing their experiences of how their kid was turned down for the role because of North West. Even people on Reddit have commented on this situation with one user stating, "It was painful. She can’t sing, she clearly doesn’t know where to go (at one point one of the extras is telling her where to go), and the guy in the orchestra looks miserable. This family has never been told “no” and it’s sad." Another user agreed by saying, "People who attended the show should ask for a refund. They paid to see Broadway professionals, not someone who can't even hold a note."
Some people have been defending North by giving the excuse that she's just a kid and not a performer so she shouldn't be teared down for her work. They are even going as far as to agree with Kim's action stating they would do the same thing for their child if given the opportunity. One reddit user said, "Yes ! Kim is doing what any supportive parent would do, with or without nepotism involved: being supportive! Kim is taking advantage of the privilege and I would too! Lol 😭 And anyone who wants to act like they wouldn't do the same for their child is lying through their teeth."
Critics have stated that Kim Kardashian tried to get North the role because it was announced that Beyonce's daughter Blue Ivy is set to join her mother in the prequel to the 2019 hit, 'Mufasa: The Lion King.' Even though reactions to this role recently started trickling in, Deadline announced that North would be one of the "latest daughter of a major music artist" to join the lion, despite Blue Ivy taking that role first. Others have conspired that Kim Kardashian is "setting her daughter up" by putting her on stage without letting her go to any rehersals or actually prepare for the role.
A lot of people have stated that the family is using the backlash from North's broadway performance to feature it on the next season of their Hulu show "The Kardashians." One reddit user cemented that view by saying, "PMK and crew knew this would garner hate which equals clicks for them. They don’t care than north is being criticized online. They hoped it would happen this way… perfect timing for this season of their flop show."
The Broadway performance is set to premiere on Disney+ soon and the 'Mufasa: The Lion King' will play in theaters on December 20.