“Nepo babies” became a hot topic following a deep dive article published by New York Magazine.
A nepo baby (short for “nepotism baby”) is a term given to celebrities who have parents in high positions of power and influence. It used to be reserved for those who used this privilege to get ahead, but lately any child with famous parents has been called a nepo baby.
It’s undeniable that these new celebrities with ties to famous families have a leg up in the industry. However, singer Lily Allen claims that they’ve been used as scapegoats of a much larger issue with wealth inequality.
The nepo babies y’all should be worrying about are the ones working for legal firms,the ones working for banks,and the ones working in politics, If we’re talking about real world consequences and robbing people of opportunity. BUT that’s none of my business.
— Lily A (@lilyallen) December 19, 2022
Allen comes from a prolific family. Her father, Keith Allen, is an actor while her mother, Alison Owen, is a film producer. Her younger brother, Alfie Allen, is best known for his role as Theon Greyjoy in Game of Thrones.
After New York Magazine sparked the nepo baby discussion, Allen took to Twitter to share her own experience with having parents in the entertainment industry.
She recounts how most nepo babies probably have narcissistic parents and that they are often starved of “stability, love, and nurturing.” This leads to a lot of childhood trauma that can take years to come to terms with.
Due to her own strained relationship with her family, Allen used to be defensive of her work in her younger years.
A Guardian article published back in 2006 talks about how Allen got her first record deal through her dad’s connections. But she left the label before she even released any of her music under them.
Look, I seem to have riled people up with my comments about nepo babies. I am nearly 40 years of age and am more than happy, in fact I think it’s important to disclose what a privileged upbringing I’ve had and how that has created so many opportunities for me,
— Lily A (@lilyallen) December 20, 2022
Now in her 40s, she’s able to acknowledge the opportunities her privileged upbringing has brought her.
Allen ends her Twitter confessional saying “I’m not rooting for an industry full of people that had childhoods that looked like mine.”
While it’s entertaining to poke fun at famous people, Allen admits that they’re not as invincible as they seem. “Nepo babies have feelings,” she says, and many have certainly been able to prove their talent within their field.
Banner photo via Instagram @lilyallen.
