“The Morning Show” star Reese Witherspoon’s 20-year-old son, Deacon Phillippe, found himself at the center of social media uproar after offering a glimpse of his upscale college apartment in New York City.
In a tour that unveiled spacious rooms, high ceilings and a unique spiral staircase, the New York University student casually acknowledged paying “West Village prices” for his pad in a video posted by TikTok star Caleb Simpson, renowned for showcasing opulent homes to his millions of followers.
However, his discreet disclosure of expenses only seemed to stoke the flames of criticism, with viewers quick to highlight his affluent background and “nepo baby” status.
A barrage of responses flooded the video’s comment section, with some accusing Deacon of sidestepping his family’s considerable finances.
“Rich kids/nepo babies LOVE to avoid mentioning their extremely wealthy parents,” one comment read, while another remarked, “Occupation: nepo baby,” referring to his privileged upbringing as the child of Oscar winner Witherspoon and SAG Award winner Ryan Phillippe.
Despite the backlash, some viewers took a more supportive stance. One observer praised Deacon for having roommates, applauding his pursuit of a typical college experience.
The sight of Deacon holding an expensive Perrier water bottle during the tour didn’t help quell the skepticism, leading to further allegations of being a “trust fund baby.”
Others defended him, acknowledging that despite his financial background, he exudes a laid-back demeanor and chooses to share a large living space with others.
In a segment showcasing his bedroom doubling as a music studio, Deacon proudly discussed his passion for music production, showcasing one of his projects.
This enthusiasm aligns with his recent musical endeavors, notably his debut album, “A New Earth,” released in April.
The young artist’s milestone moments haven’t gone unnoticed by his doting parents.
Phillippe and Witherspoon commemorated his 20th birthday with heartfelt messages on social media, celebrating their son’s journey into adulthood and praising his positive impact on the world.
Witherspoon, in particular, gushed over her son, emphasizing his bright, positive nature and expressing pride in his accomplishments.