Kim Kardashian has faced backlash following her eldest daughter North West‘s stage debut as Simba in The Lion King 30th Anniversary — A Live-to-Film Concert Event at the Hollywood Bowl in May 2024. Clips of the performance appeared in the latest episode of Hulu’s The Kardashians that aired last week
The eleven-year-old, daughter of Kanye ‘Ye’ West, shared the stage with renowned performers like Jeremy Irons and Jennifer Hudson. Social media users reacted negatively to the shared clips, criticizing the young star for being unprepared for such a significant role and accusing her parents of using their fame to secure the opportunity for her.
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Kim Kardashian Criticized as North West’s ‘Lion King’ Role Reignites Nepotism Debate
In the most recent episode of The Kardashians, Kim, 44, responded sharply to critics who disapproved of her daughter’s performance. Videos of North’s enthusiastic singing at the event quickly spread online. Many internet users suggested that Disney should have chosen a performer with more traditional training for the coveted role of Simba.
After outlets like Entertainment Tonight and TMZ shared snippets of North singing off-key at times, fans and critics headed to Instagram to share their thoughts. “They need to stop lying to her,” one wrote as another added: “I hope they’ve made her take lessons now.”
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An additional user noted: “No one’s hating on the kid. They’re frustrated with your money privilege to get her a part she didn’t deserve, which resulted in someone’s kid who did deserve it-not getting the part.” One other shared: “When money is more powerful than talent and this girl doesn’t have it.”
Someone else concurred: “Took the spot from a child with talent. End of story.” Another commenter noted: “No one wants to hate on her but people just don’t want to waste their time. Other kids deserved it. She’s not a vibe or a moment. You’re raising her to think that will always matter and it won’t.”
In a confessional moment, Kim recounted watching North's show last summer in the newest installment of her family's reality show. "I already know what's coming, that she's not Whitney Houston. Duh! I know that she got the job because of her parents." The SKIMS mogul went on, adding that "North is the moment" and audiences still paid to see her perform.
"They want to see North West on a TikTok, on a this, on anything, because she's a personality, a performer," the mom of four (who also shares son Saint, 8, daughter Chicago, 6, and son Psalm, 5, with ex Kanye, 47) added. "If anyone wants to hate on a child that is having the time of their lives, then f--k you." Kim also said: "It's such a proud moment as a mom to see your child have so much fun and not be nervous at all."
Regarding her eldest child, Kim noted: "She's so proud of herself. She did such a great job. And anyone that is hating on a kid is just a hater, and she's not there to be Mariah Carey." The beginning of the episode explores how North was given the chance and why her mother was initially reluctant to allow it.
According to the episode, Disney contacted the family regarding North's involvement. "I just can't decide," Kim expressed during a phone conversation with her sister Khloé Kardashian. She mentioned she was concerned about viewers being unkind to her daughter. "I'm really torn on if we should let her do this or not. She's not a singer. She raps. She's been on a stage with her dad for sure," she said.
Kim was also seen saying: "As a mom, especially putting her child on a platform with a lot of opinions — it's something to really, really think about." Nevertheless, North showed her interest. "Right away, she was like, 'Please, Mom, I want to do it,'" Kim remembered. Kim eventually allowed North to go ahead, expressing her confidence in her. The episode then transitions to the practice sessions and showcases North in her outfit backstage. "I'm so happy I'm doing this," North said.
When thinking about North's future career, Kim also discussed being a "mom-ager" to her daughter, much like her own mother Kris Jenner has always been for her. Kim explained: "I'm not really ready to be a mom-ager. But if there's one thing she wants to do here or there, that makes sense, I'll consider it. I loved this for her."
