Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave Opens Up About Being a “Nepo Baby”
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum shared a thoughtful post about the effects of growing up with rock-star dad John Mellencamp.
As the daughter of rock star John Mellencamp, Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave is what some might call a “nepo baby,” and she’s not afraid to admit it.
In an April 24 Instagram post, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum shared a stunning photo of herself as a child, locked in an embrace with her famous dad. “I’m a nepo baby,” she began her caption. “I know that; you know that.” Then she went a little deeper.
“There’s been a lot of talk about nepo babies lately — and honestly the conversation interests me,” Teddi wrote. “I personally feel having a super driven and ‘celebrity’ parent pushed me even harder and added another level of pressure I put on myself. But I also acknowledge a certain amount of privilege people may feel comes with that.”
She went on to prompt a thoughtful discussion with her followers. “I’m curious on your thoughts?” Teddi wrote. “Do you feel like nepo babies are judged too harshly or is it fair to put extra pressure and criticism on somebody who people feel have an unfair advantage?”
Teddi has previously opened up about her dad and shared his reactions to her stint as a Real Housewife. In 2019, she shared a text she received from her dad after he had watched a recent episode of RHOBH.
“You’re getting a little too big for your britches [there] sister,” he teased, referencing a comment Camille Grammer made about Teddi. Teddi took the text in stride, responding: “Please send me a new pair of appropriately sized britches. So glad you caught up on the recent episodes! Love you. Miss you.”
John doesn’t just keep up with Teddi’s TV appearances. He’s also a devoted grandpa to her kids, who refer to the rocker as “Peepaw.” In 2021, the accountability coach shared sweet photos of her dad spending some quality time with the little ones.
“[Twenty dollars] to the first person that guesses what movie we were watching. One hint: it’s animated,” Teddi wrote in the caption of her post. The picture showed her dad watching a movie with her three kids: Slate, Cruz, and Dove.
In the clip above, Teddi opens up more about life as a rock star’s kid during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. “Have you ever felt like you wanted to get out of your father’s shadow?” Andy asks. “You know what? I haven’t,” Teddi responds. “I’m really proud of my dad. I love him, and he’s done amazing things. And I don’t think I’m in his shadow. I think he’s proud of me as well.”
Watch The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills on Peacock and the Bravo app.
