Lily-Rose Depp Finds Unexpected Ally in Mia Khalifa Amid Nepo Baby Criticism

Former adult film star and social media personality Mia Khalifa has entered the ongoing discourse surrounding Lily-Rose Depp, voicing support for the actress amid continued debate over “nepo babies” in Hollywood.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Khalifa wrote: “Lily Rose Depp hate is so forced y’all are just jealous she’s timeless and trendy.” The statement, which has attracted over 250,000 views, comes as Depp, 25, returns to the spotlight with her latest film, Nosferatu.

The discourse surrounding Depp intensified in November 2022 when she addressed criticism about her privileged background in an Elle Magazine interview.

As the daughter of Hollywood star Johnny Depp and French singer-actress Vanessa Paradis, she pushed back against being reduced to her family connections, stating it “just doesn’t make any sense” to “reduce somebody to the idea that they’re only there because it’s a generational thing.”

The term “nepo baby,” short for nepotism baby, has become a popular phrase in social media discussions, referring to individuals who potentially benefit from family connections in their industry. Merriam-Webster defines nepotism as “favoritism based on kinship.”

Depp joins a growing list of celebrity children who have addressed the nepotism debate, including Lily Collins, Maude Apatow, Zoe Kravitz, Maya Hawke, and Kendall Jenner.

These public figures have acknowledged their privilege while also speaking about the challenges they’ve faced in establishing their own identities in the entertainment industry.

Khalifa’s defense of Depp adds another voice to the ongoing conversation about privilege, merit, and opportunity in Hollywood, as the industry continues to grapple with questions about access and equity in entertainment.