Scott Disick, the well-known reality TV star and socialite, is facing heated backlash after sharing a controversial Instagram post featuring his daughter, Penelope. The post has sparked significant division among his followers, with many accusing him of being insensitive, while others have come to his defense.
The 41-year-old father, who rose to fame through his appearances on Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Kardashians, shared a snapshot of himself and his 12-year-old daughter enjoying a meal together. In the photo, Penelope is seen pulling her eyelids upward in what many perceived as an offensive gesture, particularly because the pair were dining at an Asian restaurant with chopsticks visible on the table.
Scott shares Penelope, along with his two other children, Mason and Reign, with his ex-partner Kourtney Kardashian. Despite their tumultuous past relationship, which spanned from 2006 to 2015 and included allegations of infidelity and struggles with substance abuse on Disick’s part, the two have managed to maintain a co-parenting relationship for the sake of their children.
Kourtney, now married to Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, has spoken publicly about her enduring bond with Scott. In an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, she remarked, “Scott and I will always be in each other’s lives. We’re soulmates in a way, even if not romantically. Our priority is our children.”
Scott, who boasts an Instagram following of over 29 million, is no stranger to controversy. However, this particular incident has reignited debates surrounding cultural sensitivity and parental responsibility. Many fans expressed their disappointment and frustration in the comments section of the post.
One commenter wrote, “This is exactly how racism gets passed down. Kids aren’t born with it—it’s taught. This is ignorance at its worst.” Another added, “It’s a parent’s job to instill values in their children. This photo shows a lack of awareness and education.”
Some critics pointed out the long history of racial stereotypes targeting East Asians, particularly the offensive “slant-eyes” gesture. This stereotype, which mimics the epicanthic folds characteristic of many East Asian individuals, has been used for centuries to demean and mock these communities. It dates back to 19th-century Western propaganda, where Asian immigrants were often caricatured with exaggerated features, including “slit eyes,” yellow skin, and buck teeth.
In the controversial photo, Penelope’s gesture of pulling her eyelids upward was interpreted by many as an imitation of this stereotype. Coupled with the context of being in an Asian restaurant, the image fueled outrage. One user exclaimed, “Why is his daughter doing that? Eating Asian food while making a racist gesture? This is unacceptable!”
However, not everyone viewed the situation as offensive. Some fans defended the photo, arguing that Penelope was simply making a playful face. One person commented, “She’s just a child being silly. It’s disgusting to accuse her of racism.” Another added, “I’m Chinese, and if someone mocks Asian eyes, they pull outward, not upward. This isn’t what you think it is.”
Despite these defenses, the incident has reignited a broader conversation about the role of parents in teaching their children cultural sensitivity. Critics argue that even if Penelope’s gesture was innocent, it highlights the importance of awareness and education, especially for public figures like Scott Disick, whose actions are closely scrutinized.
The controversy has drawn attention to Scott’s approach to parenting and his responsibility as a public figure. While some see the incident as an overreaction, others emphasize the need for accountability, particularly given the historical weight of such gestures.
Scott has yet to publicly address the backlash or clarify the context of the photo. Meanwhile, the debate continues to rage on social media, with opinions split between defending a father and daughter’s innocent moment and holding them accountable for what many perceive as cultural insensitivity.