Nathan Congleton/NBC

INTERVIEWS

Emma Roberts Talks Nepotism During Latest Podcast Interview

On 'Table for Two,' a podcast by Bruce Bozzi, Emma Roberts discussed how men benefiting from nepotism are often seen as legitimate successors while women are labeled unfairly.
Nathan Congleton/NBC

On Table for Two, a podcast by Bruce Bozzi, Emma Roberts discussed how men benefiting from nepotism are often seen as legitimate successors while women are labeled unfairly.

The gender disparity reflects a systemic issue that needs to be addressed. The influence of family connections shapes careers and opportunities, creating a double standard about how nepotism is perceived.

Women who benefit from nepotism face a harsher public judgment. The term nepo baby, short for nepotism baby, has become a derogatory label, mainly targeted at young women in the entertainment industry. This double standard is often perpetuated by the media, which tends to focus on the family connections of women in the industry while downplaying or celebrating those of men. 

Roberts poignantly highlighted this, questioning the gendered nature of the criticism. “Why is no one calling out George Clooney for being a nepo baby? Rosemary Clooney was an icon,” Roberts exclaimed.

“I feel like young girls get it harder with the nepo-baby thing. I don’t really see people calling out sons of famous actors. Not that they should be called that. I don’t think anyone should be called out wanting to follow their dreams,” Roberts shared.

She is to star in the new romantic comedy Space Cadet, released on July 4 on Amazon Prime. She is continuously pursuing her dreams and advancing her career.

The criticism aimed at female nepotism babies often portrays them as undeserving and talentless, benefitting from their family’s success. However, these women, like Roberts, have displayed remarkable resilience.

Roberts shared, “People only see your wins because they only see when you’re on the poster of a movie. They don’t see all the rejection along the way.” Their resilience in the face of unjust scrutiny is inspiring and deserves our empathy.

Despite the unfair scrutiny, many women who are products of nepotism have demonstrated remarkable talent and work ethic. Take, for instance, Zoë Kravitz, daughter of musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet. Kravitz has carved out a successful career in acting and music, gaining critical acclaim for her roles in the Max series Big Little Lies and Batman as Catwoman.

Similarly, Dakota Johnson, daughter of actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, has established herself as a versatile actress in films like Fifty Shades of Grey and Marvel’s Madame Web

These women, among many others, have faced similar challenges and criticisms in their careers. It’s important to note that nepotism is not limited to the entertainment industry. Women face such biases in politics, business, and other fields when they benefit from family connections.

“I think it’s important to talk about because otherwise people just think, ‘Oh, you know, everything’s been so great and linear and easy, and it’s like, no… not at all. But of course, it looks like that to the outside perspective or to the naked eye,” Roberts revealed, finalizing the interview and leaving listeners with much to ponder. 

These women and many others build on their family’s legacy, proving their success is due to talent and hard work. Their achievements empower others to strive for their goals despite societal biases, offering hope for a future based on merit.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Emma Roberts and Bruce Bozzi.