The term "nepo baby" has exploded across TikTok, sparking a generational debate about privilege and meritocracy in Hollywood. Short for "nepotism baby," it refers to the children of famous parents who land major creative roles, from Zoë Kravitz to Maya Hawke. The discourse began in February 2022 with a tweet about the cast of Euphoria, which revealed that both the showrunner and several actors had famous parents.
While the concept is not new—Hollywood has always been a family business—Gen Z's discovery of it has fuelled outrage. Critics argue that nepo babies benefit from inherited fame and connections, making it harder for outsiders to break in. Yet many nepo babies push back. Lily-Rose Depp called the criticism "weird" and "sexist," while Zoë Kravitz defended family businesses as "completely normal."
Gwyneth Paltrow claimed nepo babies must "work twice as hard" to prove themselves, a sentiment met with scepticism. Lily Allen noted that being a famous child isn't easy, but acknowledged the prevalence of nepotism across industries. The debate extends beyond Hollywood, touching on inherited wealth and access in fields like journalism and politics.
Ultimately, the nepo baby phenomenon highlights a broader anxiety about inequality. As New York magazine's cover story put it, the issue isn't just fame—it's the systemic advantage that comes from having a parent who can open doors. For Gen Z, already facing a tough job market, this feels like a betrayal of the meritocratic ideal.
