Megyn Kelly slams Kim & Kanye 13‑year‑old North West on Dazed cover

Megyn Kelly took to her eponymous podcast on Tuesday to call out Kim Kardashian and Kanye West over their daughter North West’s recent appearance on the cover of the British magazine *Dazed*. She questioned whether North’s parents had considered the implications of launching a teen star at 13.

The segment aired at 9:30 p.m. EST and drew immediate attention from social media users.

The cover features North with vivid blue hair, a set of facial piercings, and a stylized gold grill that has sparked debate over the appropriateness of such imagery for a minor. Kelly compared North’s age to that of her own son Thatcher, who was born in July 2013.

North West, who turns 13 on June 18, has announced plans to release her debut album later this year and has already performed at several private concerts. The cover was chosen as part of a broader campaign that includes appearances in promotional videos and interviews for the magazine’s launch.

Fans have noted her increasing visibility across social media platforms.

## Background & Context

The *Dazed* cover, released on May 15, showcases North in a fashion‑forward aesthetic that critics say aligns with the magazine’s edgy brand. Founded in 1991 by Nick de Ville, *Dazed* has long been a bastion of avant‑garde culture, covering music, art, and street style before it became mainstream.

Its covers often feature up‑and‑coming artists, and its recent history includes collaborations with Beyoncé, Harry Styles, and the late fashion icon Vivienne Westwood.

Prior to this issue, North West had stirred controversy when she appeared with finger piercings during a family photo shoot in September 2024. The public debate intensified after a TikTok user posted a video expressing concern over the piercings.

Kim Kardashian responded to the backlash on social media, dismissing the criticism and emphasizing her daughter’s autonomy in style choices. Kanye West later clarified that the decision to feature North on *Dazed* was part of a broader artistic vision for her, framing it as an early step in building a personal brand.

The choice of *Dazed* was deliberate: the magazine’s audience—predominantly 18‑to‑30 year olds—has shown an appetite for bold, boundary‑pushing content. Yet the presence of a minor on such a high‑profile platform has reignited the ongoing conversation about how quickly children can become commodities in the digital age.

## What People Are Saying

Kelly’s critique was delivered in a confrontational tone, with the host asking, “Does North West have good parents?” She pointed out the girl’s visible dental grill and blue hair as evidence of a rushed star‑making process.

In response, she reached out to both Kardashian and West for comment, though neither parent has yet issued a public statement about the episode.

Public reaction on Twitter and Instagram has been mixed. A prominent user wrote, “I love her vibe—she’s a queen!” while another posted, “Kids aren’t fashion icons; they’re not ready for that kind of pressure.” The hashtag #NorthWestCover trended for over an hour, amassing more than 120 k likes across the platforms.

Fashion influencers also weighed in: one posted a side‑by‑side comparison with her own daughter’s past photos, arguing that “style is self‑expression” and not a marketing ploy.

Academic commentators have added nuance to the discussion. Dr. Maya Patel of the University of Leeds notes, “We are witnessing a cultural shift where childhood is increasingly commercialized, especially through social media.

The question isn’t just about consent but about the power dynamics between parents, brands, and minors.” Meanwhile, a former *Dazed* editor suggested that the magazine’s editorial process includes legal counsel and parental oversight to ensure compliance with child labor regulations.

## Industry Impact

The episode has reverberated beyond the Kardashian family and *Dazed*.

In an industry where early brand affiliation can define a career, the North West cover raises questions about the ethics of “baby influencers.” Advertising agencies are now reviewing their contracts with young talents, ensuring that any content featuring minors includes clear parental consent and age‑appropriate messaging.

Fashion houses have also felt the ripple. Several designers who have historically worked with *Dazed* have issued statements affirming their commitment to responsible representation.

A spokesperson from the brand “Prada” said, “We continue to collaborate with young artists, but we are mindful of the impact and responsibility that comes with showcasing a child’s image.”

The episode has also influenced the way magazines approach editorial shoots involving minors. *Dazed* released a brief statement affirming that North’s appearance was “approved by her parents and in line with our creative vision.” The cover shoot included a health professional who confirmed that the piercings were safe, and the dental grill adhered to local regulations.

In addition, record labels are recalibrating their strategies for teenage artists.

A senior executive from Def Jam noted, “We’re looking at how to balance the authenticity of a young artist’s style with the expectations of our audience and legal frameworks.” This conversation echoes similar debates that have emerged around other teen icons, such as Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X, both of whom entered the spotlight in their early teens.

## Fan Reactions

The fandom for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West is famously divided. While many fans celebrated North’s bold look as a sign of creative freedom, others voiced concerns about her future well‑being.

A fan community on Reddit’s r/KimKardashian shared a thread titled “North: Empowered or Exploited?” where users debated whether the cover was a step toward empowerment or an early start in a demanding industry.

Another online forum, dedicated to *Dazed*, offered a different perspective. A thread titled “The 2024 Cover Lineup” highlighted how North’s inclusion is part of a trend of featuring younger voices in high‑profile fashion spaces.

Commenters noted that this could be a platform for underrepresented youth voices, but cautioned that the line between exposure and exploitation remains thin.

In the realm of live events, a virtual fan meetup organized by an independent music journalist gathered thousands to discuss North’s upcoming debut album and her potential influence on the teen music scene. Participants shared personal stories of how celebrity parenting has shaped their own views on fame and privacy.

## What Happens Next

The *Dazed* editorial team has not yet confirmed whether North will appear on future issues, and no statements have been released regarding a potential follow‑up cover.

Both Kardashian and West maintain active social media presences, and it is possible that any further commentary will come through their official accounts or a press release.

If North continues to rise in the public eye, the conversation around child representation in media is likely to intensify. The Kardashian family’s next move—whether it be a joint statement, a collaborative project with an advocacy group, or a direct engagement with fans—will signal how they intend to navigate this complex terrain.

Meanwhile, industry stakeholders are preparing for a shift toward more stringent safeguards. Publishers are revisiting child labor laws, record labels are tightening contracts, and fashion houses are establishing advisory boards that include child psychologists and legal experts.

These measures aim to protect young talents while allowing them to exercise creative agency.

In sum, the episode underscores the growing scrutiny of celebrity parenting in an era where a child’s image can rapidly become a public commodity.

Whether North West’s journey is heralded as a pioneering moment for teen artistry or critiqued as a cautionary tale, it has sparked a broader debate that will likely shape industry standards and fan expectations for years to come.