Catherine Zeta-Jones faces backlash over ‘frustrating’ nepo baby claims

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Catherine Zeta-Jones is facing criticism online after arguing that nepo babies have it harder than others because they have ‘so much to prove’. The Welsh actress, whose two children with husband Michael Douglas have followed in their footsteps into showbusiness, has previously said the label is ‘horrific’. The term nepo baby refers to children of famous parents achieving success off their parents’ backs, a common occurrence in the acting world in particular. In a new appearance on BBC’s Woman’s Hour, the Oscar-winning star, 56, said the nickname isn’t applied to those in other industries, and ‘puts pressure’ on young people. Speaking to Nuala McGovern, Zeta-Jones said: ‘If it was any other industry whether it be finance or business or if you’re a lawyer… My grown-up surgeon doctor friends have kids going into that industry, and they don’t get labelled. ‘But I think more importantly, I’m married to the ultimate nepo baby. My husband was the son of Kirk Douglas, the son of Spartacus, you know? and he’s done pretty good on his own.’ Catherine Zeta-Jones previously declared the phrase nepo baby as ‘horrific’ (Picture: BBC/Woman’s Hour) Catherine and Michael Douglas have two children – Dylan and Carys (Picture: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) The Chicago star has previously declared the phrase ‘nepo baby’ as ‘horrific’, telling The Sunday Times earlier this month: ‘These kids don’t ask to be born into this.’ She added that her son Dylan, 26, is pursuing acting, while her daughter Carys, wants to be a director. ‘You have to go with your dreams, your passion,’ she told the publication. ‘It’s hard for them to forge a way forward on their own. ‘This horrific phrase “nepo baby” is horrible because these kids didn’t ask to be born into this, they’re finding their own way in life. But they love it, and they’re good. ‘Otherwise, Michael and I would be the first to go, “you know what? Maybe law school looks really good”.’ Her comments have been met with backlash, including a response from Dr Amir Khan, who hit back: ‘I’m sorry, but no.’ ‘You might absolutely work hard, you might be incredibly talented, you might deserve every bit of respect and success you have, but please don’t confuse having worked hard with not having had advantages. Catherine and Michael’s son Dylan is an actor and producer (Picture: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images) ‘Some of us grew up knowing that if we took a massive financial risk and it went wrong, there wasn’t a safety net underneath us.’ The bestselling author added: ‘There wasn’t a family cheque that could come and save us, there wasn’t a spare house that we could move into, there wasn’t someone saying “don’t worry about earning for a year, go and explore your creative side.”’ He added that connections within the industry are also understandably useful, saying: ‘Maybe someone will take your phone call because they know who your parents are.’ Fans of Zeta-Jones remarked that her comments are ‘off the mark totally’, with @jax_knutton writing: ‘I love you @catherinezetajones but you are so wrong on this!!!’ Fashion Editor Alexandra Stedman added: ‘I disagree. You can accept your privilege and still understand it’s harder for others to access this industry without connections, wealth and all the opportunities offered to Michael Douglas.’ @handmaidhannah wrote: ‘It’s so frustrating seeing actors use their platforms to miss the point entirely and I’d really love them to look beyond themselves and see this as a discussion about access to opportunity. It’s not about talent it’s about access, class, finance and safety nets. Fans said Catherine’s comments were ‘off the mark’ (Picture: Getty Images) ‘Of course nepotism happens in other industries but it’s particularly noticeable in the arts because there are so few opportunities available in the first place. That’s not the fault of those ‘nepo babies’. But when so many opportunities appear to be taken by people with A-lister parents, meanwhile representation of working class kids in the arts is at an all time low, it is disheartening. They added: ‘Let’s stop giving air time to this angle and platform the work of actors like Stephen Graham and James MacAvoy who actually get it and use their status to advocate for better access to opportunity.’ @CarolineCooke wrote: ‘It’s ludicrous. The acting industry, particularly on a high level, is almost impenetrable. Yes, they have to prove themselves, but so do all actors and 90% don’t get a look in.’ Catherine met her husband, who is 25 years her senior, at Delaware Film Festival in 1998 while she was promoting The Mask of Zorro and he was working on A Perfect Murder. Discussing their marriage, Catherine said: ‘We are very similar; we were born on the same day, 25 years apart. We’re not afraid to be verbal, to express ourselves. I wear everything on my sleeve and so does he, which is good.’ Michael is also father to 47-year-old Cameron Douglas, from his first marriage to China Syndrome producer Diandra Morrell. Metro has contacted representatives for Catherine Zeta-Jones for comment. Deals of the Day Oodie’s cosy blanket sale has arrived just in time for Christmas shopping Save over £700 on Simba's top-rated mattresses in this limited-time sale Topman’s new-season collection has arrived and prices start at just £10 An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind From £700 MacBooks to discounted iPhones, the best Apple tech for studentsb Switched On Get plugged into the week’s must-watch shows, unmissable moments, and expert reviews with Metro TV Editor Sabrina Barr.