Kim Kardashian Proudly Shares Photos of North West From Simba Role
Kim Kardashian ignored backlash over North West’s recent debut in The Lion King, proudly posting her daughter’s new role as Simba.
The 10-year-old media personality took the stage in Disney’s The Lion King 30 Anniversary: A Live-to-Film Concert Event, which featured celebrity guests and members from Broadway musicals and films. It took place on Friday and Saturday at the Hollywood Bowl, celebrating the 30 anniversary of the animated 1994 film. North’s casting was announced on May 8, appearing alongside special guests Jennifer Hudson, Nathan Lane, and Billy Eichner.
West was introduced to the stage by Jason Weaver, the singing voice of Simba in the original film. Donning a Simba-inspired streetwear look, West wore a custom costume by California-based clothing brand ERL. This all-yellow outfit included a zip-up hoodie, Swarvoski embellished boardwalk shorts, slippers, and ERL socks.
She then performed “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King,” singing and dancing alongside other dancers. Weaver posted a picture with the 10-year-old, sharing, “What an honor it is to share the same stage with this young superstar in the making!!”
Despite completing her act with applause, the child star quickly caught heat online. A production member revealed, “This was a show in for North, and she was told that if she can carry a note, the gig is hers.”
As the daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, the young performer faced backlash on social media for snagging a role through her relationships rather than her talent. An X user criticized the casting director for choosing a “Nepo baby” rather than “properly trained theatre kids.”
I have to double down on this. Yes, it’s cool when North is making her own music and it’s not really serious, but making professionally trained kids go through 4 auditions and callbacks just for you to choose Nepo baby whose mom paid for her to have the role is insane.
— (@_RichieDinero) May 26, 2024
However, the “Nepo-Baby” slander is nothing new for West or the Kardashian family. Following a weekend of criticism, the SKIMS founder posted images of her daughter as Simba on Instagram. West is in character in this photoshoot, sporting her signature Simba ERL outfit.
The post is filled with negative comments, with the top comments reading, “Talent definitely doesn’t run in the family” and “she wasn’t appropriate for the role.” Despite the backlash, the Kardashian family stands unfazed and firm in supporting the 10-year-old.
West announced her debut album, Elementary School Dropout, a week before the performance. The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl will eventually stream on Disney+.
Watch a recorded clip of her live performance below.
