Kim Kardashian is facing backlash over her decision to allow her 12-year-old daughter, North West, to get a dermal piercing on her middle finger. The controversy arose when fans noticed the new piercing while the mother and daughter were enjoying a vacation in Rome. The piercing, which is a form of body modification that involves placing jewelry on the surface of the skin, sparked a debate among onlookers and social media users.
In images captured on August 23, Kim Kardashian was seen in a black silk dress, while North donned a black corset, a skirt, and knee-high boots, accentuating her edgy look with striking electric blue hair styled in two ponytails. Alongside the piercing, North accessorized with a heart-shaped purse, glasses, and plenty of bracelets. The duo even shared a TikTok video showcasing their outfits while dancing to the tune of Destroy Lonely’s “If Looks Could Kill.”
The public reaction to North’s piercing has been divided, with some expressing concern over the young age at which she received the body modification. One Reddit user questioned Kim’s decision, stating, “She’s 12. Wtf is Kim doing?! Who the f— lets their 12-year-old have piercings? And who the f— pierces a 12-year-old?” Others raised worries about the potential pain and risk of infection associated with dermal piercings, which can be more complex to heal compared to traditional ear piercings.
Critics of Kim Kardashian’s parenting choices have taken to social media platforms to voice their disapproval of allowing North to have the piercing at such a young age. Some users expressed discomfort at the sight of the piercing, highlighting concerns about the healing process and potential complications. One commenter noted, “That makes me wince just looking at it😣🤢 It must be so irritating! And in the perfect place to be infected all the time.”
Kim Kardashian, a mother of four, has previously shared that North is deeply involved in critiquing her fashion choices. During a conversation with Vogue’s correspondent Emma Chamberlain at the 2025 Met Gala, Kardashian praised her daughter’s fashion sense and emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself. North’s bold fashion choices and keen eye for style have been evident, with Kim acknowledging her daughter’s positive influence and energy in embracing individuality and self-expression.
Despite the criticism surrounding North West’s dermal piercing, Kim Kardashian has yet to address the controversy publicly. As a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a mother to four children, Kim’s parenting decisions often attract scrutiny and debate among fans and followers. The discussion sparked by North’s piercing serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue around children’s autonomy, body modification, and parental responsibility in the age of social media.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding North West’s dermal piercing sheds light on the intersection of celebrity culture, parenting choices, and societal norms. While Kim Kardashian faces criticism for allowing her daughter to undergo the body modification at a young age, the controversy prompts reflection on the boundaries of parental decision-making and the impact of social media scrutiny on familial dynamics. As the discussion continues to unfold, the episode serves as a catalyst for conversations about individual expression, consent, and the evolving landscape of modern parenting in the public eye.