Megyn Kelly has publicly criticised Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, saying the former couple are moving too quickly in developing their 13‑year‑old daughter North West as a public performer. Kelly aired her concerns during an episode of The Megyn Kelly Show on 25 August where she questioned whether the child’s rapid rise was being properly considered.
Kelly contrasts ordinary childhood with a public career
On the programme, Kelly contrasted North’s situation with activities she described as typical for children of that age. She argued that while many youngsters are occupied with unstructured play, North is being groomed for a public life that includes recording and performing music, modelling and appearing in high‑profile media.
“This girl...is launching an album, she's going to be performing concerts, and they are rushing to try to make her a star,” Kelly said on air, questioning whether enough reflection has gone into the potential downsides of growing up on camera.
The comment came amid a period of rapid activity for North. According to published reports, she released a six‑track debut EP titled N0rth4evr in May 2026, played her first solo festival set in June, and in August she released a music video for the song “Aishite”. Her fall cover of the fashion magazine Dazed followed, accompanied by an interview in which she discussed music, fashion and future plans.
Parents and the child have publicly responded
North herself has asserted that beginning to perform at a young age is her choice. Kim Kardashian has previously defended her daughter’s self‑expression and has acknowledged making some parenting decisions she later reconsidered. The public record shows a tension between a child’s stated wishes and observers’ concerns about the effects of fame on young people.
The debate over children in entertainment regularly raises questions about consent, oversight and the responsibilities of guardians and institutions. In this case, Kelly’s critique focuses on whether the pace of North’s professional development allows for sufficient reflection on those matters.
Timeline of North West’s public work (2026)
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| May | Released six‑track debut EP N0rth4evr |
| June | Performed first solo festival set |
| August | Released music video for “Aishite”; appeared on Dazed fall cover |
Community concerns and wider context
In South Africa and abroad, conversations about child performers typically revolve around safeguarding, education, mental health and the balance between parental decision‑making and a young person’s autonomy. Those issues are implicit in Kelly’s criticism: the suggestion that publicity and professional commitments could encroach on ordinary childhood experiences.
While Kelly framed her remarks by invoking the experiences of her own family, North’s camp has emphasised the girl’s agency and creative interests. Reports note that some planned live dates were scaled back: a co‑headlining tour with rapper Molly Santana was cancelled shortly before an intended 5 August launch, even though North has already performed at major events.
- North West is 13 and has released a six‑track EP in 2026.
- She has performed live at festival events and released a music video for “Aishite”.
- Public debate centres on the pace of her public exposure and the responsibilities of parents and managers.
Kelly’s intervention is the latest public commentary on the matter. It highlights the uneasy balance between respecting a young person’s expressed interests and ensuring their development is not compromised by early professional exposure. The discussion is likely to continue as North’s career progresses and as public figures and commentators weigh in.
Fact note: This article summarises public remarks by Megyn Kelly and documented milestones in North West’s activity in 2026. It does not report private family deliberations or medical or psychological assessments.
