Catherine Zeta-Jones and her kids
Celebrity

Catherine Zeta-Jones Firestorm: Star Slams 'Horrific' Nepo Baby Tag Dragging Her Kids

The Oscar winner insists her offspring didn't choose a famous life and deserve to forge their own path in show business.

BUZZBEAT NewsroomSep 14, 20262 min read

Catherine Zeta-Jones is officially drawing a line in the sand when it comes to her family. The Academy Award-winning actress has stepped up to passionately shield her children from online criticism as they pursue artistic endeavors in the entertainment world, taking direct aim at the internet's favorite insult for celebrity offspring. Addressing the relentless pop-culture discourse surrounding Hollywood lineage, the movie star made her position unmistakably clear. She forcefully pushed back against the moniker so often slapped onto second-generation performers, branding the trending term "horrific" and arguing that it unfairly diminishes the genuine efforts of young creatives trying to carve out legitimate careers. ## Are Catherine Zeta-Jones kids becoming actors? According to reports detailing her comments, the star rejected the idea that growing up in a high-profile household makes artistic pursuits illegitimate. Zeta-Jones pointed out that her children did not choose to be born into a life of massive public attention. Instead, she explained that they are simply trying to navigate the world and uncover their own personal identity just like anyone else. The ongoing conversation surrounding legacy talent in show business has dominated social media feeds for years, with skeptics frequently discounting the work ethic and ability of famous descendants. However, Zeta-Jones believes that personal dedication and creative passion should matter far more than family lineage when evaluating anyone trying to break into the dramatic arts. ## What did Catherine Zeta-Jones say about nepo babies? Rather than relying solely on background advantages, the iconic actress maintains that her children are focused on standing on their own two feet. Her fiery comments underscore a growing frustration among high-profile parents who feel their kids face immediate, harsh judgment the moment they step onto a stage or set. While critics continue to debate privilege across the entertainment industry, Zeta-Jones is ensuring her children have a vocal advocate in their corner. She is urging the public to drop the harsh commentary and allow the next generation the room to prove their own worth based on merit.

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Catherine Zeta-Jones and her kids
“This horrific phrase ‘nepo baby’ is horrible because these kids didn’t ask to be born into this,” she told the Sunday Times of her two kids she shares with Michael Douglas (pictured in 2023)
The “Chicago” star said that “it’s hard for them to forge a way forward on their own” but are “plugging away.” (Pictured: Douglas with his kids in 2024.)
Zeta-Jones also insisted that if her kids weren’t talented actors, she and Douglas (pictured in 2021) would tell them to pursue a different career.
Zeta-Jones and Douglas (pictured in 2023) are both Oscar winners and have impressive careers for their kids to look up to.
Both of their kids graduated from Brown University before fully diving into acting. (Pictured: the couple with their daughter Carys in 2025.)
The couple has brought Carys and Dylan (pictured in 2015) to red carpets over the years.

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People also ask

What did Catherine Zeta-Jones say about nepo babies?
Catherine Zeta-Jones called the term 'horrific' and argued that celebrity children did not choose to be born into fame while trying to build their own lives.
Are Catherine Zeta-Jones' children pursuing acting?
Yes, her children are interested in performance and the arts, leading Zeta-Jones to defend them against critics who attribute their ambitions solely to famous parents.