Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s daughter, North West, ignited a heated online debate with her acting debut at The Lion King’s 30th anniversary concert in Los Angeles. The 10-year-old’s performance faced significant backlash from critics who accused her of benefiting from nepotism.
While some praised North’s participation in the event, many speculated that her famous parents secured her the role. Insiders have now confirmed that North’s high-profile family did play a part in her being cast as Young Simba.
Sources revealed that North did not have to compete for the role. Her family’s connections with the production company behind the event, held at the Hollywood Bowl, were instrumental in her casting.
North performed “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King,” earning a standing ovation from the audience. However, critics were quick to troll the performance online, arguing that she lacked the talent required for the role and was chosen due to nepotism.
A source told DailyMail.com that the Kardashian family’s close ties to the event’s producers were crucial. The concert and The Kardashians reality show are both produced by Fulwell 73 Productions. Gabe Turner, a partner at Fulwell, also served as the creative showrunner for The Lion King concert.
“This was a guaranteed opportunity for North,” the insider shared. “She was told that if she could sing, the role was hers.”
Fulwell 73 is known for producing shows like The Kardashians and The Late Late Show With James Corden. Turner, along with James Corden, is a partner at Fulwell. Turner worked alongside Sally Wood as the creative showrunner for the concert.
The source added that North’s ability to generate publicity was a key reason for her casting. “They wanted to draw attention to the event, which they did,” the source explained. “North didn’t face any competition for the role, and no one else who auditioned would have been selected.”
The insider emphasized that North’s casting was entirely due to her family’s relationship with Disney and Fulwell. Another source mentioned that the family planned to feature the moment in a future episode of their reality show, making the performance beneficial for everyone involved.
Kim Kardashian later shared a clip of herself watching the concert with her younger daughter, Chicago, on her lap.
North’s acting debut follows her announcement of her first album, Elementary School Dropout, in March, a nod to her father’s 2004 debut album, The College Dropout. North was also featured on “Talking / Once Again” from Vultures 1, a collaborative album by Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign. The track made North one of the youngest artists to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 30 in February.
Though her acting debut was recent, North is no stranger to performing live. She has appeared on stage with her father multiple times during album release events for Vultures 1, including performances in Miami in December and Paris in February.
