The hate that nepotism babies get for having the right connections and getting things in their careers easier is unfair. If you had the connections, you would use them too; I know I would.

Nepotism babies are children with privileges that come from one or both of their parents who are famous names like actors whose parents are also famous actors or directors and singers whose parents have connections to major record labels. The term “nepo babies” has become popularized after a tweet by a Twitter user about Euphoria star Maude Apatow who played Lexi, “Wait I just found out the actress that plays Lexi is a nepotism baby omg her mom is Leslie Mann and her dad is a movie director lol.”

Nepotism babies are attracting attention right now from social media due to many believing their success is undeserved because they had it “easier” than people who are getting into an industry on their own.

Wouldn’t you use all the connections that you have to grow your career and become successful?

Children of models, singers and actresses are more likely to be drawn to those industries because they grew up around them. What do people expect them to do? They might not have to hustle the way that people who don’t have connections in the industry do, but it doesn’t mean they don’t work for their success.

For example, Kaia Gerber – her mother is supermodel Cindy Crawford and she looks like her twin – why would she pursue another career?

Nepotism babies are their parents’ children; it’s in their genes. Just because nepotism babies didn’t have to hustle as hard doesn’t mean their parents didn’t hustle so hard that their children didn’t have to. Their parents or grandparents might’ve come from nothing.

Many nepotism babies have the privilege of just having the same name as their parents. It gives them a step up whether they ask for it or not.

Hailey Bieber, the daughter of famous actor Stephen Baldwin and graphic designer Kennya Baldwin, attracted attention when she wore a t-shirt that said “nepo baby.” Her style choice became a key feature in a now-infamous story about nepotism in Hollywood by New York Magazine.

And the list is endless: Maya Hawke, known for her role as Robin in “Stranger Things,” is the daughter of famous actors Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. Dakota Johnson, known for her lead role in “Fifty Shades of Grey,” is the daughter of famous actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith. Jake Gyllenhaal who starred in “Brokeback Mountain” and “Zodiac,” is the son of screenwriter and director Naomi Foner and director and poet Stephen Gyllenhaal.

Just because they were able to use their connections to get their foot in the door or further their success doesn’t mean they didn’t put in hard work to get where they are. The Pepsi Superbowl commercial touched on the fact that acting is still a job. Acting is work for actors, and they put effort into their work like any other occupation.

There is nepotism in all industries, and there always has been.

Rachel Chapuis is an opinion writer. Contact her at [email protected].