A parenting expert criticized Kanye West and Kim Kardashian for allowing their daughter, North West, to perform onstage at the Hollywood Bowl.
Celebrating three decades of The Lion King, a grand tribute event unfolded at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday, May 26. However, the 10-year-old's performance received mixed reviews and sparked accusations of nepotism, with the expert placing the responsibility on the parents for the controversial decision.
When clips from the show went viral on various social platforms, social media members expressed their critiques about North's performance, expressing their disapproval.
But in the eyes of parenting specialist Kirsty Ketley, who spoke to The Sun, it is crucial to refrain from scrutinizing North, even if she is considered a "nepo baby" in the public eye.
The expert recommends redirecting any criticism towards the appropriate target - North's parents. According to her, it was cruel of the parents to let North go up the stage knowing she has not earned the spot.
"Sticking her up on stage in front of thousands watching in a stadium and allowing her to face such harsh criticism and ridicule, at just ten years old, is cruel and may be something that comes back to bite Kim and Kanye in the future," the expert said.
"Teaching North that she can have anything she wants, because of who she is, can have a detrimental effect on her own self-worth and self-esteem, when, or if, that expectation doesn't become a reality for her."
During her performance, it became clear that the audience's reaction did not match North's excitement. North radiated with joy while playing Simba, trying her best to deliver a powerful rendition of her solo in the song "I Just Can't Wait to Be King." Still, displeased audience members quickly went online to express their disdain.
Ketley did not like this.
The parenting pro said whatever way North found herself under the spotlight and at whatever level of her performance, it remains that she is merely a minor and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself.
The individuals to hold accountable are her parents.
The expert also said that at present, North is embracing life as a ten-year-old to the fullest extent, a lifestyle that would envy many other children of the same age.
But, because she is still young, she has not yet grasped that she might be overwhelming herself with too many responsibilities. It has reportedly not dawned on her that achievement should be based on personal effort rather than relying on the status of her parents and relatives or on the popularity she garners on social media platforms.
With each passing year and as she grows wiser, she will eventually understand that her achievements are not solely the result of her efforts. This realization may decrease her self-assurance and prompt her to doubt her own skills and capabilities.
It is a common desire among all parents to provide assistance and encouragement to their children whenever they can, the expert said.
However, the expert said that just like what Kim Kardashian and Kanye West did, going to great lengths to fulfill every child's wish without considering their suitability or readiness may lead to excessive support that could do more harm than good.