Rapper Skepta has sparked conversations about children's safety in public after criticising an interaction involving North West, the 13-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, during Paris Fashion Week.
The discussion began after a video from the Vetements Menswear Spring/Summer 2027 show showed North greeting an adult man. While she appeared to extend her hand for a handshake, the man instead hugged her before posing for a photo. North's parents were not seen in the clip.
Sharing the video on X, Skepta argued that North's body language made it clear she intended to offer a handshake.
"A blind man could see she wanted a handshake."
He later shared another post, saying he rarely comments on other people's personal lives but felt compelled to speak up after watching the interaction.
"My fans know I try to stay out of people's business, but the way grown men, complete strangers, try to use North makes me sick."
When one social media user questioned whether hugging had become a"social offence", Skepta stood by his views, stressing that North had clearly reached out for a handshake and that adults should not ignore a child's body language.
He also urged parents to"protect your kids", adding that the incident reflected a wider lack of awareness about what is and isn't appropriate when interacting with children in public.
His comments quickly divided opinion online. Some users felt the interaction had been harmless, while others agreed with Skepta, arguing that children should always have the freedom to decide how they greet others and that adults should respect those choices.
North, who is the eldest of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's four children, has grown up in the public eye and frequently attends major fashion events alongside her family. Her appearances have often attracted attention online, with discussions ranging from her fashion choices to the level of public exposure she receives at a young age.
This latest incident has once again placed the spotlight on the challenges faced by children growing up in the public eye, particularly when they are approached by strangers at high-profile events.