The 25 Most Obvious Nepo Babies Still Claiming They “Grinded”

The conversation surrounding nepotism in Hollywood has reached a fever pitch in recent years as social media users highlight the family connections of rising stars. While many children of famous celebrities acknowledge their significant head start in the entertainment industry, others become defensive when the topic arises. There is a specific subset of stars who insist their journey was just as difficult as anyone else’s despite their famous surnames. These figures often cite long hours and rejection letters as proof of their struggle while downplaying the access their lineage provided.

Brooklyn Beckham

Brooklyn Beckham has tried his hand at professional soccer and photography and cooking throughout his young adult life. He frequently states that he has worked hard to establish his own name separate from David and Victoria Beckham. Critics often point out that his photography book and cooking show had massive budgets provided by his connections. He remains steadfast in his belief that he is carving his own path through sheer effort and dedication.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp famously compared her modeling and acting career to the path of a medical student during a magazine interview. She argued that having famous parents might get you in the door but only hard work keeps you there. This comparison drew immediate ire from the public who noted the rigorous objective standards doctors face compared to subjective casting calls. She maintains that the internet cares a lot more about her family tree than casting directors do.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner sparked controversy when she claimed she had to work harder than other models to be taken seriously by high fashion designers. She stated that she removed her last name from her composite cards to distance herself from the reality television stigma. Many industry insiders noted that she skipped the lower tiers of modeling work entirely to walk in major shows. She insists her path to the top of the fashion world was paved with difficult castings and skepticism.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow has famously said that children of celebrities have to work twice as hard to prove themselves to the public. She believes that once a nepo baby gets a foot in the door they are unfairly judged more harshly than their peers. Her comments ignore the significant advantage of gaining access to that door in the first place through family connections. She continues to assert that her longevity in Hollywood is solely the result of her grit and talent.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt faced significant criticism when he reprised his Broadway role for the film adaptation of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. His father Marc Platt produced the film and many felt Ben was too old for the role of a high school student. Ben dismissed the nepotism claims by stating he had created the role and earned his spot through his theatrical performance. He argued that his casting was a result of his intimate knowledge of the character rather than his father’s influence.

Lily Collins

Lily Collins has frequently spoken about the rejections she faced early in her acting career. The daughter of musician Phil Collins claims she sat in many waiting rooms and was told no repeatedly before landing roles. She emphasizes that she wanted to make it on her own without relying on her father’s musical legacy. Critics note that her early access to agents and casting directors was likely facilitated by her famous last name.

Maude Apatow

Maude Apatow expressed sadness about the “nepo baby” label during interviews regarding her role in ‘Euphoria’. She admitted that she was in a lucky position but stressed that she tries not to let the criticism affect her work ethic. The actress has appeared in several projects directed by her father Judd Apatow which fueled the conversation. She hopes that her career longevity will eventually prove that she deserves her spot in the industry.

Kaia Gerber

Kaia Gerber followed in the footsteps of her mother Cindy Crawford by entering the modeling industry at a young age. She has acknowledged her privilege but also claims that nepotism is not as powerful in modeling as people think. She suggests that casting directors will not hire a model solely based on their parentage if the talent is missing. Her rapid ascent to the cover of Vogue suggests her lineage played a substantial role.

Hailey Bieber

Hailey Bieber attempted to satirize the discourse by wearing a t-shirt that read “Nepo Baby” in paparazzi photos. She belongs to the famous Baldwin acting family and is married to Justin Bieber which elevates her profile. She has stated in interviews that she is tired of the accusation that she has not earned her success. She believes her business ventures and modeling contracts are the result of her own hustling.

Emma Roberts

Emma Roberts has defended her position in Hollywood by discussing the roles she failed to book. The niece of Julia Roberts and daughter of Eric Roberts claims people only see the wins and ignore the rejection. She argues that having famous family members can sometimes be a hindrance due to preconceived notions. Her critics point out that she had opportunities to audition that most aspiring actors never receive.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson dismissed the nepotism debate by claiming that storytelling is simply in her family’s blood. She compared her family’s dominance in Hollywood to other families who work in business or medicine. The daughter of Goldie Hawn argues that it does not matter where you come from if you work hard and deliver results. She believes the label is used to dismiss the genuine talent of children born into the industry.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz expressed insecurity about being in the entertainment industry due to her parents Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet. She stated that she works hard to ensure she is not just seen as the daughter of famous icons. The actress felt the nepotism label was reductive and ignored the effort she put into her craft. She insists that she has earned her place in major franchises like ‘The Batman’ through auditions.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke acknowledges her lucky origins but emphasizes the pressure to perform well because of them. The daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman gained popularity quickly with her role in ‘Stranger Things’. She has stated that while her parents helped her get an agent the work she does on set is her own. She believes her sustained success is proof that she is more than just a famous name.

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson finds the conversation around nepotism to be incredibly annoying and boring. The daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson believes the industry is tough for everyone regardless of background. She has implied that she struggled to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress early in her career. She maintains that she has to fight for roles just like any other performer in Hollywood.

Scott Eastwood

Scott Eastwood has shared stories about bartending and parking cars before his acting career took off. He claims his father Clint Eastwood made him work for everything and did not hand him money or roles. However he has appeared in films directed by or starring his father which helped build his resume. He uses his blue-collar past to distance himself from the image of a pampered Hollywood child.

Jack Quaid

Jack Quaid resisted the nepotism label initially by claiming he wanted to change his name to avoid association. The son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan eventually accepted his status but still emphasizes his hard work. He notes that he was rejected from drama school which he uses as evidence of his struggle. He believes that his work in ‘The Boys’ demonstrates his individual merit as an actor.

Willow Smith

Willow Smith has pushed back against the idea that her music career was handed to her by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. She argues that she has to work harder to prove that she is a serious musician and not just a celebrity child. She claims the pressure to succeed is actually a burden that makes her journey more difficult. She attributes her evolution as an artist to her own creative grinding rather than industry connections.

Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith has frequently spoken about his desire to change the world through his own artistic and business ventures. He acted alongside his father Will Smith in multiple films which launched his career globally. He often speaks about his work ethic and the difficulties of growing up in the spotlight. He insists his success in fashion and music is due to his unique vision and tireless effort.

Lottie Moss

Lottie Moss expressed frustration with the focus on her relationship to her supermodel sister Kate Moss. She claimed on social media that she was tired of people attributing her career solely to her sister. She argued that everyone has advantages in life and people should focus on their own paths. Her comments were met with backlash from those who noted her height would usually preclude a modeling career.

Ireland Baldwin

Ireland Baldwin has been vocal about the difficulties of living in the shadow of Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger. She has worked as a model and DJ while stating that she has had to fend for herself financially. She pushes back against the assumption that she has never had to work a day in her life. She claims the modeling industry was particularly harsh on her despite her famous lineage.

Sofia Richie

Sofia Richie attributes her modeling and design career to her own drive rather than her father Lionel Richie. She has spoken about the prejudice she faced when entering the fashion world as a celebrity child. She insists that she was treated like an outcast and had to prove her worth to designers. She believes her recent rebrand and popularity are the results of her own strategic decisions.

Louisa Jacobson

Louisa Jacobson stars in ‘The Gilded Age’ and is the youngest daughter of Meryl Streep. She uses a different last name to distance herself from her mother’s legendary status in the acting world. She has implied that she wants to be judged on her own merits rather than her family connection. Critics note that landing a lead role in a major HBO drama is a rare feat for a newcomer.

John David Washington

John David Washington hid his relationship to father Denzel Washington for years to avoid special treatment. He attempted a football career before pivoting to acting to prove he could succeed in a meritocracy. He emphasizes that he auditioned for roles without revealing his lineage to ensure he earned them. Despite this he acknowledges that the industry is now aware of his background.

Destry Allyn Spielberg

Destry Allyn Spielberg addressed the nepotism discourse by acknowledging her privilege while defending her work ethic. The daughter of Steven Spielberg stated that she works hard to study film and write scripts. She argued that having a famous name does not mean she lacks talent or drive. She deleted her comments after facing a wave of criticism for missing the point of the debate.

Bella Hadid

Bella Hadid has spoken about the immense pressure she felt to catch up to her sister Gigi and the expectations of her mother Yolanda. She claims she was the uglier sister and had to work on her personality and modeling skills intensely. She often discusses the physical and mental toll the fashion industry has taken on her. She attributes her status as a supermodel to her relentless travel schedule and refusal to call in sick.

Please share your thoughts on which celebrity claims surprised you the most in the comments.