Full Breakdown
North West’s Handshake at Paris Fashion Week Sparks Debate Over Child Protection
6/29/2026, 8:19:10 PM
Paris Fashion Week Incident: Handshake Turned Hug
On June 26, 13-year-old North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, attended the Vetements Menswear Spring/Summer 2027 runway show in Paris. While extending her hand for a handshake, a male fan approached and embraced her before posing for a photo. The clip quickly circulated on X, prompting a polarized response from viewers.
Background: North West’s Public Profile and Recent Piercings
North West has been a frequent subject of media attention, including a prior incident where she was photographed with multiple piercings. In early 2024 she added single-point dermal piercings to her hands, which she and her mother later clarified as fake. Kim Kardashian has said that North West follows many rules and that she allows her to express herself, noting that the teenager has long experimented with colored braids and faux jewelry.
Key Figures Involved
- Kim Kardashian – Mother, public defender of her daughter’s autonomy on Instagram.
- Kanye West – Father, not directly quoted in the sources.
- Skepta – British rapper who publicly condemned the fan’s behavior on X.
- The fan – Unnamed male attendee who initiated the hug; no statement recorded.
Event Details
Official Reactions
Skepta posted tweets criticizing the fan, describing the conduct as sickening and urging the public to protect children. He emphasized that North West had clearly offered a handshake and that fan’s actions were inappropriate. Kim Kardashian responded on Instagram, reiterating that her daughter follows strict rules and that she supports North West’s self-expression, including her choice of temporary piercings and hair color.
Public Criticism & Support
Users expressed divergent views. Some condemned the fan, describing the hug as “exploitative” and urging greater protection for children. Others argued the interaction was “innocent,” noting that the fan “went for the safe, friendly hug” and that the situation was “a very common social interaction.” The debate highlighted broader concerns about celebrity children’s exposure to strangers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The sources present contrasting interpretations of the incident’s severity, with no official comment from the fan or from Kanye West. LADbible reported that it has reached out to the families’ representatives for comment, but no response was received at the time of publication.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My fans know I try to stay out of people's business but damn the way grown men, complete strangers, try to use North makes me sick.” — Skepta, Rapper
- “A blind man could see she wanted a handshake kmt.” — Skepta, Rapper
- “Protect your kids people. Protect your kids,” — Skepta, Rapper
- “Northy actually has a lot of rules," she insisted.” — Kim Kardashian, Reality Star
