, as well as the criteria for being deemed a "nepo baby" has been the subject of debate. In another
Vulture article, Kevin Lincoln noted that Driver had been discovered through luck, as well as his own merits. Some have argued the existence of nepo babies argues against any reality for meritocracy. Although nepotism in
sports is arguably limited by the more objective and competitive standards, athletes whose parents were also well-known athletes or otherwise well-connected in sports have been described as "nepo babies." Examples include
Bronny James, whose critics have suggested that the influence of his father,
LeBron James, has played a significant role in his opportunities. Some publications, including
BuzzFeed and the
feminist publication
Jezebel, have criticized the terms "nepo baby" and "industry baby" as too loosely applying
social privilege, or special advantages conferred on certain groups at the expense of other groups, to certain public figures. In November 2022, Lily-Rose Depp, the daughter of actors
Johnny Depp and
Vanessa Paradis, criticized the terms "nepo baby" and "industry baby" as "
sexist" and "
misogynistic." Arwa Mahdawi of
The Guardian dismissed Depp's claim, stating, "I haven't done detailed data analysis of
gender-based applications of the term, but I can think of plenty of men who have been called a 'nepo baby',
Brooklyn Beckham and
Jaden Smith being two very high-profile examples." In 2023, magicians
Penn & Teller said that they believed the term was "another way for the Internet to be resentful."
Penn Jillette said he disliked that the term was being applied to his son, Moxie CrimeFighter. Following her
Golden Globe win in January 2025, actress
Fernanda Torres, the daughter of
Fernando Torres and
Fernanda Montenegro, criticized the negative perception surrounding nepotism babies. Torres said she and many other performers were essentially raised in the industry from childhood and learned from their parents. She also said having famous does not resolve all life problems because “you have to invent yourself.” == Related terms ==