Catherine Zeta-Jones is not a fan of the label "nepo baby." In fact, she loathes it.
The Oscar-winning actress branded the term "horrific" in an interview with The Times of Britain, saying that her children Dylan, 26, and Carys, 23 – whom she shares with husband Michael Douglas – are working hard to carve out their own paths in the entertainment industry, despite having globally famous parents.
"It's hard for them to forge a way forward on their own," the 56-year-old told the newspaper, as she attempted to defend their respective acting careers, noting that they were both "plugging away."
"This horrific phrase 'nepo baby' is horrible because these kids didn't ask to be born into this, they're finding their own way in life," she said. Son Dylan
is pursuing a career in acting, while daughter Carys is an aspiring director.
The buzzword "nepo baby" is short for nepotism, the practice of favoring friends and family members for job roles. The label has long sparked debate in Hollywood and beyond, with some angrily calling out the offspring of famous celebrities, claiming they have been handed their careers on a platter and that they are undeserving of fame and fortune.
For many young creatives born to famous parents, carving out a career in film, music, modeling or fashion often raises questions about industry equality and strikes up debate: Is stardom genetic? Or an opportunity pipeline?
Zeta-Jones, who is largely known for her roles in "Chicago," "The Mask of Zorro," and "Ocean's Twelve," married actor and film producer Douglas, 81, in 2000. Both have won Oscars.
The pair will celebrate their 26-year wedding anniversary in November.
Last week, Douglas announced in an Instagram video that his memoir, "One Helluva Ride," had been picked by the New York Times as one of its recommended books to read this fall. The tell-all memoir, in which he opens up about cancer, addiction, marriage and activism, goes on sale next month.
Contributing: Elise Brisco, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Catherine Zeta-Jones slams the term 'nepo baby' as 'horrific'
