It's no secret that we all enjoy a classic tale of triumph over adversity, where the underdog rises to the top against all odds. This narrative is upheld in the capitalist, individualist society that exists in American culture. However, in Hollywood, which intersects with the fashion and art world, it's common to discover that not all of our favorite stars are first-generation success stories. Shockingly, almost half of the industry's elite were born into fame and fortune, as their parents or grandparents were the ones who established their Hollywood fame and etched their last names into public consciousness, thanks to the practice of nepotism. According to Merriam-Webster, nepotism is defined as favoritism based on kinship, not necessarily on merit. This means if you are applying for a job, and you know someone who works there, or you’re the son or daughter of the boss, and you get the job without formally applying, then this is because of nepotism. So, while we may love a good rags-to-riches story, it's important to acknowledge the privilege that some celebrities hold, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In today's world, inheritance has taken on a whole new level of popularity, and it's not just in wealth but also in fame, notoriety, and social media influence. On platforms like YouTube and TikTok, creators have made notable video essays on the most famous and trending “nepo babies,” as they call them, of our generation. These include Lily-Rose Depp (daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis), Sofia Richie Grainge (daughter of Lionel Richie), and Hailey Bieber (heiress of the Hollywood Baldwin family), among others. These nepotism babies were born into wealth with vast connections, fully able to enter any industry or business venture they wanted without having worked extremely hard to do so. With a background in the most revered families and social power, nepotism in this industry can buy you anything.

Nepotism babies are controversial, as they often receive both praise and criticism. Life is unfair, but when some people are born into privilege, especially of high esteem in creative industries, it becomes even more apparent. Fashion designer Stella McCartney is the daughter of Sir Paul McCartney, and filmmaker Sofia Coppola is from the legendary Coppola family, with her father being Francis Ford Coppola. The list goes on, including younger stars like Maude Apatow, Willow Smith, Kylie Jenner, Iris Law, and Lila Moss. You might never guess one of their parents was an award-winning actor, a decorated Olympic athlete, or a veteran supermodel. The question is, would these women, or ‘nepo babies,’ have this insurmountable success in their respective careers without their family relations? Is their fame purely talent, or is it just their last name?

While these industries are more creative careers that Gen Z immerses themselves in, like fashion, entertainment, and the contemporary art and design world, it's crucial to realize that anyone can have a leg up no matter who they’re related to. It’s fun to mock celebrity children who probably didn’t have to work that hard to get high-esteem acting roles or walk in a Versace runway show, even if they’re not the most talented. Nevertheless, some stars are geniuses at what they do. Riley Keough, granddaughter of Elvis Presley, is a brilliant actress, and Zoë Kravitz, daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, has a reputable career as an actress as well. In Western society, where anything is possible and you can achieve far more significance than in the pre-social media years, anyone can garner a platform to be seen, regardless of the class they fall under. If you achieve unbelievable success and plan to have children, they would be nepo babies too. It’s how social climbing works, and if you play the game well enough, then you might be one of those people who know the right people to see success. It's not what you know; it’s who you know, as the old saying goes. You never know who you'll meet and if that connection or relationship can get you through the door.

Do you hate nepos, or can you somehow relate to them? Are they annoying brats of famous parents or talented individuals who can't help their family lineage and deserve individual recognition? Regardless, we can’t ignore how famous these celebs are and how much we stalk them on our social media feeds, envious of the archival designer dress they'll be gifted to wear next.

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