The Reverse Nepotists

It's one thing to cash in on your parent's name. But when Mom and Dad start trading off yours, things can get ugly

This article is from the May/June issue of Radar Magazine. For a risk-free issue, click here.

Wonderbrats may inspire envy (and derision) from the ill born, but no group is so universally reviled as the reverse nepotists—parents who not only meddle with their cash-cow child's life, but also use their child's talent to command their personal spotlight. Below, proof that while it's one thing to cash in on your parent's name, when Mom or Dad starts trading off yours, things can get downright ugly.

papajoe.jpg
(Photo: Getty Images)

Joe Simpson
The former Baptist minister with a diamond stud earring has been known to praise daughter Jessica's "Double Ds." He's also been known to shield her from paparazzi—not in an attempt to protect his progeny, but rather to protect the fee he earns hawking his own Jessica shots to the tabs. After scoring a producer credit on Jessica's star vehicle, Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica, he went on to produce such diverse fare as Nick & Jessica's Family Christmas, Nick & Jessica's Tour of Duty, The Nick & Jessica Variety Hour, and The Ashlee Simpson Show.

theknowles_74649794.jpg
(Photo: Getty Images)

The Knowleses
Matthew Knowles has been leeching off his Destiny's Child for years. Besides the 10 percent he earns micromanaging Beyoncé's career, Knowles has used his daughter's success to kick-start his own label: Music World Entertainment. Mother Tina takes her cut through Deréon, a clothing line inspired by things "Beyoncé would be happy to wear"—which apparently include fuchsia jumpsuits gilded with floral decals and chunky golden charms, and inappropriately tight activewear emblazoned with the word deréon in giant rhinestones.

Continue >>

 


May/June 2008 Table of Contents
Power Brats, Nick Cave, Advice from Charles Manson, and more! Check out Radar's current issue

Attack of the Aristo-Brats!
Children of the rich and famous are taking over the world. Welcome to the new age of nepotism

The Billy Letters
What better mentor for a 10-year-old than Charles Manson? Little Billy seeks life advice, and America's most notorious killers are happy to oblige

Auto Eroticism
For the renegades behind Grand Theft Auto, controversy is all part of the game

The Ecstasy of Defeat
To the losers go the spoils—just ask these former presidential candidates



Email us at:
tips@radaronline.com
or IM: TipRadar