Catherine Zeta-Jones is facing criticism online after arguing that nepo babies have it harder than others because they have 'so much to prove'. The Welsh actress, whose two children with husband Michael Douglas have followed in their footsteps into showbusiness, has previously said the label is 'horrific'.
The term nepo baby refers to children of famous parents achieving success off their parents' backs, a common occurrence in the acting world in particular. In a new appearance on BBC's Woman's Hour, the Oscar-winning star, 56, said the nickname isn't applied to those in other industries, and 'puts pressure' on young people.
Zeta-Jones defends nepo babies on Woman's Hour
Speaking to Nuala McGovern, Zeta-Jones said: 'If it was any other industry whether it be finance or business or if you're a lawyer… My grown-up surgeon doctor friends have kids going into that industry, and they don't get labelled.
'But I think more importantly, I'm married to the ultimate nepo baby. My husband was the son of Kirk Douglas, the son of Spartacus, you know? and he's done pretty good on his own.'
The Chicago star has previously declared the phrase 'nepo baby' as 'horrific', telling The Sunday Times earlier this month: 'These kids don't ask to be born into this.' She added that her son Dylan, 26, is pursuing acting, while her daughter Carys wants to be a director.
Backlash from Dr Amir Khan and fans
Her comments have been met with backlash, including a response from Dr Amir Khan, who hit back: 'I'm sorry, but no.'
'You might absolutely work hard, you might be incredibly talented, you might deserve every bit of respect and success you have, but please don't confuse having worked hard with not having had advantages.
'Some of us grew up knowing that if we took a massive financial risk and it went wrong, there wasn't a safety net underneath us.'
The bestselling author added: 'There wasn't a family cheque that could come and save us, there wasn't a spare house that we could move into, there wasn't someone saying "don't worry about earning for a year, go and explore your creative side."'
He added that connections within the industry are also understandably useful, saying: 'Maybe someone will take your phone call because they know who your parents are.'
Fans and critics weigh in
Fans of Zeta-Jones remarked that her comments are 'off the mark totally', with @jax_knutton writing: 'I love you @catherinezetajones but you are so wrong on this!!!'
Fashion Editor Alexandra Stedman added: 'I disagree. You can accept your privilege and still understand it's harder for others to access this industry without connections, wealth and all the opportunities offered to Michael Douglas.'
@handmaidhannah wrote: 'It's so frustrating seeing actors use their platforms to miss the point entirely and I'd really love them to look beyond themselves and see this as a discussion about access to opportunity. It's not about talent it's about access, class, finance and safety nets.
'Of course nepotism happens in other industries but it's particularly noticeable in the arts because there are so few opportunities available in the first place. That's not the fault of those 'nepo babies'. But when so many opportunities appear to be taken by people with A-lister parents, meanwhile representation of working class kids in the arts is at an all time low, it is disheartening.
They added: 'Let's stop giving air time to this angle and platform the work of actors like Stephen Graham and James MacAvoy who actually get it and use their status to advocate for better access to opportunity.'
@CarolineCooke wrote: 'It's ludicrous. The acting industry, particularly on a high level, is almost impenetrable. Yes, they have to prove themselves, but so do all actors and 90% don't get a look in.'
Catherine met her husband, who is 25 years her senior, at Delaware Film Festival in 1998 while she was promoting The Mask of Zorro and he was working on A Perfect Murder. Discussing their marriage, Catherine said: 'We are very similar; we were born on the same day, 25 years apart. We're not afraid to be verbal, to express ourselves. I wear everything on my sleeve and so does he, which is good.'
Michael is also father to 47-year-old Cameron Douglas, from his first marriage to China Syndrome producer Diandra Morrell. Metro has contacted representatives for Catherine Zeta-Jones for comment.
