Catherine Zeta-Jones defends her kids against ‘nepo baby’ label

Catherine Zeta-Jones has once again defended her children against the “nepo baby” label, arguing that being born to celebrity parents does not necessarily give them an easy path to success.

Catherine Zeta-Jones has once again defended her children against the “nepo baby” label, arguing that being born to celebrity parents does not necessarily give them an easy path to success.

Catherine, an Oscar-winning actress who is married to Michael Douglas, the son of Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas and a two-time Academy Award winner, discussed the criticism surrounding celebrity children during an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.

Speaking to host Nuala McGovern, Catherine described the “nepo baby” label applied to her children as “horrific.”

“If it was any other industry, whether it be finance or business, or if you’re a lawyer, or I know all my grown-up surgeon and doctor friends have kids going into that industry, and they don’t get labelled,” she said.

Catherine added that she is married to “the ultimate nepo baby,” referring to Michael Douglas, whose father was legendary actor Kirk Douglas.

“My husband was the son of Kirk Douglas, the son of Spartacus, you know? And he’s done pretty good on his own,” she said.

The actress also said that young people already face intense scrutiny, particularly because of social media and unrealistic images.

“I think it’s unfortunate that with the intense scrutiny young people have, not just my kids or celebrity kids, just generally, they get slaughtered by AI images of perfection, or this and that,” she said.

“They don’t need another tag. I think it’s very unfortunate,” she added.

When McGovern asked about the advantages celebrity children may receive because of their parents, Catherine pushed back on the idea and argued that such children can face additional pressure to prove themselves.

“No, no, no, quite opposite. First of all, they have so much to prove,” she said.

“That ‘Oh! It’s in your genes, it’s in your blood.’ It’s like, ‘No, actually, I have a true passion and love of the craft.’”

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas have two children, Dylan, 26, and Carys, 23.