Blue Ivy Carter, the 12-year-old daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, has become the center of an intense online debate following her appearance at the Mufasa premiere in a strapless ballgown. While some critics deemed the dress “wildly inappropriate” for her age, many fans and public figures have come to her defense, arguing that her attire was entirely suitable and comparable to costumes worn by children emulating Disney princesses.
The topic was addressed on Sherri, Sherri Shepherd’s talk show, where guest Christina Milian expressed frustration at the criticism. “First of all, she looks gorgeous,” Milian said. “The fact that anybody has anything to say about someone else’s daughter, any minor, I think, just mind your business.” Shepherd echoed the sentiment, telling her audience, “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.”
Sparking Broader Conversations
The discussion surrounding Blue Ivy’s gown has ignited important conversations about the hypersexualization of young children, especially Black girls. Critics have pointed out the disproportionate scrutiny Blue Ivy has faced throughout her life, from judgments about her appearance as an infant to recent backlash over her hairstyles and clothing choices.
“This child has not had a break since the moment she was conceived,” one commenter noted. “When she first appeared in the media, her features were judged… now it’s braids and ballroom gowns that got y’all in a frenzy. Blue is just a reminder that being a Black girl—rich or poor—the world will always find a problem. We are sexualized from the moment our bodies start filling!”
Blue Ivy’s supporters argue that the backlash reflects broader societal issues and the need to challenge harmful stereotypes and double standards applied to young Black girls.
