Beyoncé and Jay-Z's 12-year-old daughter Blue Ivy drew backlash at the Mufasa premiere because she was attired in a "wildly inappropriate" dress for a pre-teen. But, fans quickly came to the young actor's defense.
In Mufasa, the sequel and prequel to the live-action 2019 remake of The Lion King, Ivy voiced Kiara, the granddaughter of Mufasa and daughter of Simba and Nala.
The movie is a full circle-of-life moment, as Queen Bey lent her voice as Nala five years ago in the live-action remake of the 1994 animated film, The Lion King.
On the red carpet premiere for Mufasa, Ivy stepped out in a stunning gold strapless gown that instantly drew scrutiny online. One comment from a critic went viral with over 25 million views.
A user named PinkRubi on X (formerly Twitter) accused Ivy's parents of over-sexualizing their daughter, writing:
"Honestly the way blue Ivy a 12 year old is over sexualized by her parents needs to be studied because she still a child and they’re dressing her like she’s 17-18 year old."
Another critic said:
"Blue Ivy’s dress at the #Mufasa premiere is wildly inappropriate for a 12-year-old."
"Styled like she’s launching an OnlyFans career? @Disney, are you enabling this? Did Jay-Z pick it out? Giving JonBenét Ramsey 2024."
Fans shot down the judgy remarks, arguing that Ivy's dress was appropriate.
One fan noted Ivy's red carpet look was akin to a Disney-style "ballgown" that many young girls wear, and that critics were "sexualizing" her because "Blue Ivy is developing" and that she "can't help that."
The user flipped the argument back towards critics, saying:
"But the fact that you are focused on a 13yo's developing cleavage in a big dress makes YOU weird - not her parents."
The controversy was addressed on Sherri Shepherd's eponymous talk show, where guest Christina Milian defended Blue Ivy's attire.
"First of all, she looks gorgeous," said the Dexter: Original Sin actor.
She continued:
"I think the fact that anybody has anything to say about someone else's daughter, any minor, I think, just mind your business."
Shepherd shared the same sentiment and added:
“A lot of people thought that this dress was too much for a 12-year-old… I looked at her, y'all, and I had to disagree."
"I think she looks like a fairy princess.”
You can watch the discussion here.
- YouTubeyoutu.be
More fans showed up for Ivy and slammed the "weirdos" for their sexualized takes.
Mufasa will be released in theaters on December 20, 2024.
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