Emma Roberts addressed the controversy surrounding "nepo babies" during an interview on June 25, 2024, on the iHeartPodcast’s Table for Two. The term refers to children of celebrities who are thought to have an easier path in the entertainment industry. Roberts, the daughter of Eric Roberts and niece of Julia Roberts, defended her status, noting that public perceptions often overlook the challenges and rejections faced by famous offspring.
Roberts highlighted the struggles she and others endure, stating, “People kind of only see your wins because they only see when you’re on the poster of a movie. They don’t see all the rejection along the way.” She emphasized the importance of being transparent about career setbacks to combat the misconception of a smooth and privileged journey.
In the podcast, Roberts also remarked on the gender disparity in nepotism criticism, suggesting that daughters of celebrities face harsher scrutiny than sons. She humorously pointed out that George Clooney, whose aunt was singer Rosemary Clooney, could also be considered a "nepo baby," but rarely is.
Roberts began her acting career at age 10 with the 2001 film Blow. She later starred in the Nickelodeon series Unfabulous and the movies Aquamarine, Valentine’s Day, and Madame Web. She is best known for her roles in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story and Scream Queens.
Reflecting on her career path and family influence, Roberts noted that her priorities shifted upon observing her aunt's experiences with fame, preferring to focus on her work rather than celebrity status.