Kim Kardashian remains undeterred by the backlash surrounding her daughter North West’s appearance in The Lion King’s 30th Anniversary concert at The Hollywood Bowl.
Despite online trolls critiquing the casting of the ten-year-old as Young Simba, the 43-year-old celebrity continued to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of North in costume from the performance.
The latest images, posted Tuesday morning, showcased North dressed as a lion cub against a grey backdrop. It was confirmed that the oversized yellow hoodie, slippers, and robe, designed by ERL and worn by North during the show, were provided by her team and not by the production itself.
Although North received a standing ovation from the audience for her rendition of “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King,” some accused her of securing the part due to her “nepo-baby advantage.”
This criticism intensified after insiders revealed to DailyMail.com that North didn’t have to compete for the role. Instead, her family’s close ties to the production company Fulwell 73 Productions facilitated her appearance in the concert.
.Fulwell 73 Productions, known for producing shows like The Kardashians and The Late Late Show With James Corden, is connected to The Lion King concert through Gabe Turner, a partner in Fulwell and the creative showrunner for the event. According to sources, North’s casting was a straightforward decision, and she was informed that the role was hers if she could carry a note.
North’s ability to generate headlines was a significant factor in her selection for the role, and the promise of featuring the moment in an upcoming episode of the Kardashians’ reality show added to the appeal. Despite the controversy, the performance was strategically planned to garner attention and maintain the Kardashian brand’s visibility.
Following North’s appearance, social media users expressed mixed reactions, with some highlighting the perceived nepotism in her casting. Despite the criticism, North’s participation in the concert was a significant moment for her family, with Kanye West and other family members attending to support her.
Kim Kardashian’s unwavering support for her daughter amidst the backlash demonstrates her commitment to celebrating North’s achievements and ensuring her success in the entertainment industry.