Over the Memorial Day weekend North West made her acting debut as young Simba in the Hollywood Bowl production of "The Lion King," to mixed reviews [click here if you missed that].
Now insiders are claiming casting North was a stunt designed to get free publicity for the show...
From The Daily Mail
...insiders familiar with the project have revealed the truth about North West's part in it - and how she really managed to land the prominent role of Young Simba, confessing that her high-profile family did in fact influence her on-stage casting.
According to sources, the young star didn't have to 'compete against anyone else' for the part, which came as a result of her family's ties with the production company behind the event, which was held at the Hollywood Bowl last Friday.
North took to the stage to perform I Just Can't Wait To Be King, and received a standing ovation from the audience.
A source has since told DailyMail.com that the Kardashian family's close connection to the producers of the event played a large part in North's appearance.
'The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl and The Kardashians are both produced by the same production company, Fulwell 73 Productions,' the insider dished.
'Gabe Turner, who is a partner in Fulwell, is also the creative showrunner for The Lion King.'
The source continued: 'This was a shoe in for North and she was told that if she can carry a note the gig is hers.'
Fulwell 73 is the production company behind shows including The Kardashians and The Late Late Show With James Corden.
Turner is a partner alongside James Corden, while the former worked alongside Sally Wood as the creative showrunner for The Lion King concert.
The insider added that North's ability to make headlines for her performances was a key factor behind the decision to cast her for the role.
'They were hoping to draw publicity for this, which they did,' the source continued. 'But North didn't have to compete against anyone else and anyone else who would have auditioned would have not gotten it anyways.'
The source stated: 'This is 100 per cent the result of her family's relationship with Disney and with Fulwell.'
Another insider dished that the family planned to feature the moment in upcoming episode of their reality show, seemingly making the performance a win for everyone involved.
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