Additional Coverage:
- North West, 12, performs at Rolling Loud as fans slam Kim and Kanye for ‘sad’ parenting moment (themirror.com)
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are facing criticism after their 12-year-old daughter, North West, performed at the Rolling Loud music festival in front of a large audience.
On Saturday, May 9, North took the stage for a surprise appearance to promote her debut EP, N0rth4evr. The young performer delivered what appeared to be an unreleased track featuring 21-year-old rapper Molly Santana.
Video clips of the performance quickly went viral on social media, sparking a mix of reactions. While some praised North’s confidence and stage presence, many expressed concern over a child performing at an event typically geared toward adult audiences. This controversy follows recent criticism of Kardashian for allegedly favoring one child, which had also drawn public attention.
Some viewers questioned the decision to allow a 12-year-old to perform in such a setting. One comment on the social platform X read, “This is sad.
Why are they allowing this? I’m just too overprotective I guess.”
Others directed their criticism at Kardashian’s parenting, with one user saying, “How about a mother who cares so much about her own appearance help take care of her daughter’s appearance. Really!”
Another warned, “Her parents should ask themselves if they really want her ending up like Britney Spears.”
Several critics likened the performance to an extravagant children’s play, suggesting that the high-profile setting and resources made it feel out of place. “It’s like me and the neighbor girl putting on a show in our backyard for our parents to watch but on a giant level with endless amounts of money, this is actually really really sad. Kim and Kanye are truly bad parents,” one comment stated.
Others raised broader concerns about North’s public exposure, calling it a “money-making machine” rather than a normal family environment. One user went as far as to suggest social services should intervene, fearing the young girl is being set up for future difficulties.
North West has long faced scrutiny over her public image, especially regarding her fashion choices. She has been seen sporting looks some describe as overly mature for her age, including fake septum piercings, grillz, and faux tattoos, which she has showcased on TikTok. Kardashian has defended these styling decisions as harmless creative expression and a “non-issue,” but critics remain divided on whether such exposure is appropriate for a child.
Kanye West has not publicly commented on the recent backlash but has consistently supported North’s musical interests. She has previously appeared at several of his events, including performing on stage, narrating parts of his shows, and debuting her own songs to large audiences.
North’s appearance at Rolling Loud represents one of her most high-profile solo performances to date, coinciding with her efforts to establish a music career following the release of her EP.