Rapper Skepta has voiced strong concerns regarding the interactions between 13-year-old North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, and adult men at a recent Paris Fashion Week event. Skepta, whose full name is Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr., shared a clip on social media showing North at the Vetements Menswear Spring/Summer 2027 show. The footage appeared to capture North extending her hand for a handshake, which then led to a hug and a posed photograph with an adult male.
Skepta’s Concerns Over North West’s Interactions
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Skepta, 43, expressed his disapproval of the situation, emphasizing what he perceived as inappropriate engagement with a minor. “A blind man could see she wanted a handshake,” Skepta stated, using the abbreviation KMT (kiss my teeth) to convey his frustration. He added, “My fans know I try to stay out of [people’s] business but damn the way grown men, complete strangers, try to use North makes me sick.”
Responding to a user who questioned whether hugging was now a social offense, Skepta reiterated his observation of North’s body language. He argued that the teenager clearly intended a handshake and that the subsequent hug and photo opportunity were misinterpretations or ignored cues. “What are you talking about?!” he wrote. “She is 13 years old and she put her hand out for a handshake, you don’t ignore that. I can’t believe some [of] these replies to my tweet.”
The artist further elaborated on the need for vigilance, particularly for parents in the public eye. When a commenter suggested that North’s fame meant she had bypassed a typical teenage experience, Skepta responded with an emphatic, “WOW!! Protect your kids people. Protect your kids!” He highlighted the importance of understanding social cues and appropriate behavior, lamenting a perceived disconnect in societal norms. “Schools teaching French, German & English when really the language most people need to f***ing learn is ‘Body Language,'” he commented.
Public Reaction and Context
Skepta’s comments sparked discussion online, with many users on platforms like Reddit’s r/popculturechat subreddit agreeing with his sentiments. Commenters expressed dismay at the situation, with one user stating, “When a completely unrelated and uninvolved person has more common sense, care and protective instinct for a child than that child’s parents, there’s something really wrong.” Another user added, “Shame on these grown men for crossing very obvious boundaries. That’s a 13-year-old (!), no matter how famous her parents may be.”
Some observers found it refreshing to hear a voice from within the entertainment industry address such issues. “Glad to see an industry man calling this out,” one user remarked. “I’m appalled by what Kim and Kanye are allowing North to be exposed to at 13 without a parent present!”
The discussion also touched upon the broader theme of protecting children in the public eye and the responsibility of adults to recognize and respect boundaries. One user shared a reflection on the nature of being a “good guy,” suggesting it involves actively standing up for others, particularly when they are mistreated or vulnerable.
North West’s Emerging Career
North West, the eldest daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, has been increasingly involved in the entertainment industry. Her parents have publicly supported her burgeoning career aspirations. In recent months, North released her debut EP, titled “N0rth4evr.” She also participated in a pair of concerts for “The Lion King” at the Hollywood Bowl in May 2024, showcasing her performing talents at a young age.
North’s siblings include Saint, 10, Chicago, 8, and Psalm, 7. The family’s public profile means that North’s activities, including her appearances at high-profile events like Paris Fashion Week, often attract significant media attention and public commentary.
Conclusion
Skepta’s public commentary highlights a recurring debate surrounding the exposure of children of celebrities to adult environments and interactions. His call for parents to “protect your kids” and his emphasis on interpreting body language underscore the sensitivities involved when minors, especially those in the spotlight, engage with unfamiliar adults. The ensuing online discussions reflect a broader societal concern for child welfare and the establishment of appropriate boundaries in public life.
