Kim Kardashian has faced her fair share of controversies over the years, but this time, it’s her daughter, North West, who is at the center of a major public backlash. The 10-year-old was given the lead role of Simba in the 30th Anniversary The Lion King concert at the Hollywood Bowl, but the performance didn’t go exactly as planned. While the Kardashian-Jenner clan cheered her on from the audience, fans and critics were quick to call out Kim and Kanye West for what many are labeling as an example of nepotism—and some are even suggesting that Kim “set up” her own daughter for failure.

A Big Moment at the Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl concert was a significant event, celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Lion King, and naturally, the Kardashians showed up in full force to support North. Kim posted behind-the-scenes content on her Instagram, showing off moments of North getting ready for her big night, including adorable shots of her doing her sister Chicago’s hair. Kanye West, who has remained relatively quiet in recent years, was also there, filming the entire performance and giving North a standing ovation.

But while the Kardashian family was all smiles, not everyone was impressed with North’s performance. She took the stage as Simba, performing “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” but her performance was criticized for being underwhelming, off-pitch, and lacking the stage presence needed for such a high-profile event. Fans and critics quickly took to social media to voice their frustrations, questioning whether North was really ready for such a big role—or if she was simply given the part because of her famous last name.

Was This Role Really Earned?

One of the biggest criticisms of North’s performance was that it was a blatant example of nepotism. Nepotism is the practice of giving preferential treatment to family members or friends, especially when it comes to jobs or opportunities, regardless of their qualifications. In this case, many people believe that North got the role of Simba not because of her singing or acting skills, but because of her connection to Kim and Kanye.

A source close to the production even claimed that North didn’t have to audition for the part—something that is almost unheard of in the entertainment industry, especially for such a prestigious event. In fact, there were murmurs that Kim and Kanye used their Hollywood connections to get North into the role, as they have close ties with the producers behind The Lion King concert. According to reports, North didn’t have to compete against any other child performers for the role, as it was essentially handed to her.

The Performance: Lack of Preparation and Stage Presence

While it’s easy to blame the lackluster performance on a young girl who may not have had enough experience or rehearsal time, the reality is that North’s stage presence was far from what you’d expect from a lead performer at the Hollywood Bowl. Many pointed out that she seemed unsure of where to go during the performance, often turning her back to the audience and walking awkwardly from side to side. There was little dancing or movement—just a lot of standing still and singing off-pitch.

For many fans, it felt like North wasn’t really prepared for such a massive stage. It’s one thing to perform with her family or in smaller settings, but the Hollywood Bowl is a major venue that demands a higher level of professionalism. Some even compared her performance to a high school theater production—well-meaning, but lacking the polish of a true performer.

Costume Controversy: Was North Above the Production’s Standard?

Another point of contention was North’s costume. While other performers wore elaborate, high-quality costumes that matched the production’s level of sophistication, North showed up in a casual, mismatched outfit. She wore a simple hoodie with a furry hood and slippers, which seemed completely out of place on such a grand stage. Many fans felt that her outfit looked more suited to a casual day at home than a major concert performance.

It was later revealed that North’s costume was not designed by the production’s costume team, but instead was sourced from elsewhere—likely chosen by Kim herself. While North’s look may have been “custom” in the sense that it was made specifically for her, it didn’t match the level of the rest of the performers. Some even described it as looking like something from a low-budget school play.

Kim Kardashian’s Role: Did She Set North Up for Failure?

The controversy surrounding North’s performance has many people questioning Kim Kardashian’s role in the situation. Was this performance just a proud moment for a mother and daughter? Or was Kim setting her daughter up for failure by pushing her into a major performance without proper preparation?

Critics argue that Kim, who has worked tirelessly to build her own empire, should have known better than to let North take on a lead role without more rehearsal time or professional guidance. It’s one thing for a child to get a chance at a role because of their parents’ fame, but it’s another to put them in a situation where they’re clearly not prepared to succeed.

Many fans feel that Kim’s desire to have her family at the forefront of every major event could have overshadowed what should have been a moment for North to truly shine—if she had the opportunity to prepare properly. The reality is, this was more about Kim and Kanye’s need for publicity than it was about North’s growth as a performer.

Nepotism and the Backlash

The backlash to North’s performance has drawn comparisons to other high-profile examples of nepotism in Hollywood. One user on Twitter summed it up by saying, “This situation just reminds me of how sometimes it’s not about what you can do, but who you know.” Many pointed out that there are countless talented children out there who would have been thrilled for the opportunity to perform at the Hollywood Bowl, but they were overlooked in favor of a “nepo baby.”

Another critic remarked, “North would probably be great in a smaller production, but for a major event like this, it’s embarrassing. The nepotism was clear, and you could hear the lack of rehearsal.” Some also questioned the integrity of the entire Lion King production, calling out the fact that hundreds of talented kids were likely passed over because they didn’t have the right connections.

Moving Forward: What Does This Mean for North?

While North is still very young and likely doesn’t understand the full scope of the criticism, this experience could shape how she approaches the entertainment industry in the future. As she grows older, she may become more aware of the challenges that come with being a part of a famous family. While some might expect her to follow in her parents’ footsteps, others hope she can carve out her own identity beyond the shadows of Kim and Kanye.

For now, it seems like North will continue to appear in the public eye—whether in music, fashion, or other projects. However, this performance at the Hollywood Bowl may be remembered as a pivotal moment in her career, one where the pressures of nepotism and high expectations collided in a way that exposed the flaws in the system.

Final Thoughts: Is Nepotism Always Bad?

In the end, nepotism is a common practice in the entertainment industry, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Many stars have used their connections to land big roles or opportunities. However, when it leads to situations like North’s, where the child may not be ready or qualified for the role, it raises questions about fairness, talent, and preparation. The real question is: when does family support cross the line into exploiting your child’s fame for your own gain?

So, what do you think? Was this all about family support, or did Kim Kardashian set up her daughter for failure? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.