Katherine Ryan has sparked a significant backlash after naming her favourite child during a podcast appearance. The 43-year-old comedian, who has four children, revealed on the Begin Again podcast with Davina McCall that her eldest daughter, Violet, 17, is her favourite, describing her younger children as 'nepo babies' who have benefited from her success.
Comments Ignite Social Media Debate
In the clip, which was shared online yesterday, Ryan explained her reasoning: 'Violet's my favourite, she's my first born. I think people don't like that, they think it's a provocative thing to say. I don't worry about it hurting the other kids' feelings because I go, guess what, those are nepo babies, Violet is my favourite.' She added, 'You get to go to private school, you get to grow up with a dad, that's not fair, she's my favourite... I mean that makes sense in a way doesn't it, they have privileges she doesn't.'
The comments quickly sparked a fresh debate on social media, with many users criticising Ryan for publicly stating a preference. One user wrote, 'I think it’s natural to potentially feel more connected to one but I don’t think it’s kind to actually say it out loud x.' Another commented, 'I felt really sad listening to this. Nepo babies can still be deeply hurt and damaged irrepairably by their Mothers.'
Mixed Reactions from Fans
However, not all reactions were negative. Some followers defended Ryan, arguing that many parents have a favourite child but it remains a taboo topic. One fan stated, 'I think a lot of parents have a favourite child but it's taboo to admit it. Just like most people have a favourite parent, sibling, family pet, friend, cousin etc…' Another added, 'I think you can love different children differently. It can depend on what's happening where you feel more defensive of one at any time. You may not be able to show or recieve love from different children at different times for different reasons. But your heart is full of love for them all, and there's plenty of room.'
Conversely, a critic wrote, 'Definitely don't agree with her from experience your just making the other siblings feel less important, jealous, comparing themselves to the older child.'
Ryan's Parenting Philosophy
Ryan is mother to Violet from a previous relationship, and three children with husband Bobby Koostra: Fred, three, Fenna, two, and Holland Juliette, nine months. The Taskmaster star has previously been open about her parenting style, admitting she does not 'raise humble children'. In a past interview on the Mad, Sad & Bad podcast with Paloma Faith, she said, 'I know that being a nepo baby can backfire. A lot of these children can really struggle to ascend to what their parents have achieved and that can be a terrible feeling. However, I have decided to spoil my daughter as much as I can and give her really extravagant Valentines. I fly her wherever she wants to go, I get her VIP tickets to anything that I can because then I feel like she won't be impressed by someone's dusty son.'
She added, 'I used to be really impressed by the offer of a ride home. I think I’m a pretty great mother... and an excellent dad. Parenting is my wheelhouse. I'm good at it. I'm honest with my kids, I look after my kids. I don't have the same shame that I think is hoisted upon a lot of women if they chose to be mothers.'
