FAMILY MATTERS
‘Nepo baby’ is such a dirty word, people are angry at my success but growing up famous is miserable, says Chloe Madeley
Chloe revealed that she is much happier now that she is out of the spotlight
CHLOE MADELEY has revealed that she was "so unhappy" when she was just known as Richard and Judy's daughter, and that being in the spotlight made her "miserable".
The 37-year-old, who is the daughter of iconic TV duo Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, said that she never knew what she wanted to do growing up, and had always assumed that she would go into TV like her parents, who started hosting This Morning the year she was born.
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The star started her career in TV, appearing on shows such as Dancing On Ice and The Jump, but has now transitioned to a career in health and fitness, which she said as helped her to carve her own path in life.
Chloe, said she hates the word "nepo baby" and finds it hard when people criticise her for being a child of nepotism.
Speaking on former Love Island star Olivia Atwood's podcast, So Wrong It's Right, she said: "Nepo baby is such a dirty word, and people don't realise how hard it is to hear that about yourself, when you're on the receiving end of it."
The reality TV star, who sent shockwaves when she revealed her split from husband James Haskell last year, added that it is very common for people who's parents are doctors and lawyers to follow in their parents footsteps, as that is "the world they know".
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Chloe revealed that she thinks that nepotism is a really normal part of life, but said that she struggled growing up with people using it as a bad word to critique her.
However, she shared that when she became a qualified personal trainer, this helped to define her and to allow her to become her own person.
Chloe added that despite struggling to come to terms with the backlash received by nepo babies, there were also many perks to her upbringing, such as when she got to meet the Spice Girls as a teenager.
"We even had George Michael round for lunch once", she added.
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The star also admitted that it is thanks to her parents that she has been able to gain a large social media following, which she uses to promote her personal training services.
Watch as Chloe Madeley reveals the ‘heartbreaking’ moment she decided to end her marriage with James Haskell
Olivia added that she doesn't understand why people get annoyed at nepotism, as anyone would do the same if they were in that position.
"People don't choose their parents, what do you want them to do, sit at home and knit?", the former Love Island star raged.
Chloe then shared that the "most miserable times" of her life, have been when she was in the spotlight.
"Fame isn't a measure of success, and I've made so much more money now than I did when I worked in TV", she said.
What is a Nepo Baby?
A 'nepo baby' is a colloquial term used to describe individuals who have gained opportunities or success in their careers primarily due to familial connections or the influence of their well-known or wealthy parents, rather than solely through their own talent, skills, or efforts.
The term 'nepo' is short for 'nepotism', which refers to favouritism granted to relatives or close friends, often in a professional context.
Key Characteristics:
- Inherited advantage: Nepo babies often benefit from their family's established reputation, wealth, or industry connections.
- Access to networks: They typically have easier access to influential networks and resources within their chosen field.
- Public perception: The term can carry a negative connotation, implying that their success is not entirely merit-based.
Industries Affected:
- Entertainment: Many actors, musicians, and other performers are often labeled as nepo babies if they have famous parents.
- Business: Individuals who inherit or are given significant roles in family-owned businesses.
- Politics: Politicians who follow in the footsteps of their parents or other relatives.
Examples:
- Children of famous actors who become actors themselves.
- Heirs to business empires who assume executive roles.
- Offspring of political figures who enter public office.
The concept of nepo babies is often debated, with some arguing that it undermines the notion of meritocracy.
Meanwhile, others believe that it is natural for families to support and help each other succeed.
"There is actually no money in TV".
Relating to Chloe's struggles, Olivia added that people often downplay her achievements by arguing that she has only been given opportunities because she was on Love Island.
"Things can open doors for you, but once you're in the door, people won't keep booking you if you're uninteresting", she said.
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"That's exactly it, you have to work hard, no matter what industry you fall in to", Chloe agreed.
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