‘Pitch Perfect’ star Ben Platt shuts down ‘nepo baby’ question
The situation ended on an unpleasant note.
Ben Platt’s interview with Rolling Stone, which was published on Friday, was abruptly cut short after the journalist asked him about a previous article that referred to him as a “nepo baby.”
During the interview, journalist EJ Dickson asked Platt about his response to being featured on the cover of “New York Magazine’s” Nepo Baby issue and his thoughts on the discourse surrounding it.
Platt responded, “We’re going to skip right over that if we can.”
After Dickson confirmed that Platt had no comment, the actor’s publicist also requested that the interviewer focus on questions about Platt’s film “Theater Camp.”
According to Rolling Stone, the interview abruptly ended halfway through the scheduled 45-minute time slot.
Dickson was referring to a December 2022 article that linked Platt and other celebrities to their famous family backgrounds, highlighting the prevalence of nepotism in Hollywood.
Platt was one of several stars featured on the cover, with his face photoshopped onto a baby’s body.
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At the time, the term “nepo baby” gained attention in online discussions, with internet users criticizing Platt for his famous family connections.
While Platt won a Tony for his leading role in “Dear Evan Hanson,” social media users later pointed out that his father, Marc Platt, had produced the film.
Marc Platt is a renowned producer known for his involvement in successful movies like “Legally Blonde” and “La La Land.”
Since the incident with Rolling Stone, Twitter users have been criticizing Platt for his lack of response.
“Ben Platt had months to come up with a response to nepo baby questions that didn’t make him seem out of touch, and this is what he went with?” one user wrote.
Another user commented that the “nepo baby drama” will never die.
“Ben Platt refusing to admit he’s a nepo baby is so crazy… sir, you have a Tony, we already know you’re talented, it’s not that big of a deal,” another user wrote.
While Ben participated in the interview
That ended on a sour note.
Ben Platt’s interview with Rolling Stone, which was published Friday, was cut short after the reporter asked the “Pitch Perfect” star about a past article referring to him as a “nepo baby.”
“You were on the cover of ‘New York Magazine‘s’ Nepo Baby issue. I’m curious, what was your response to that? And what do you make of that whole discourse?,” journalist EJ Dickson asked Platt at the time.
“We’re going to skip right over that if we can,” he responded.
After Dickson confirmed that Platt had “no comment,” the actor’s publicist also chimed in to request the interviewer stick to questions about his client’s film “Theater Camp.”
The interview then abruptly ended about halfway through the pre-determined 45-minute time slot, according to Rolling Stone.
Dickson was referring to a December 2022 article, in which Platt and other stars were linked to their famous family lineages, spotlighting how nepotism is common in Hollywood.
Platt was one of many stars who made the cover — with his face photoshopped onto a baby’s body.
For more TheFantasyTimes you love …
At the time, the term “nepo baby” was thrust into the mainstream online conversation, with internet users calling out Platt for his famous family ties, as well.
While Platt won a Tony for his lead role in “Dear Evan Hanson,” social media sleuths pointed out years later that the actor’s famous father, Marc Platt, had produced the film.
The mega-producer pops has worked on box office hits such as “Legally Blonde” and “La La Land.”
Since Ben’s awkward moment with Rolling Stone was made public, Twitter users have been quick to drum up more heat for his non-answer.
“Ben Platt had MONTHS to come up with a response to nepo baby questions that didn’t make him come off as out of touch, and *this* is what he went with?” one Twitter user wrote.
A second user quipped that the “nepo baby drama” will “never die.”
“Ben platt refusing to admit hes a nepo baby is so crazy… sir u [sic] have a tony we already know ur [sic] talented its not that big of a deal,” a third wrote.
While Ben participated in the interview to garner publicity for his upcoming comedy — which is co-directed by fellow nepo-baby bestie Molly Gordon — it seems like the one question he hoped to brush over has taken the spotlight.
His reps did not immediately return TheFantasyTimes’s request for comment on the backlash.
