Elizabeth Hurley's Son Claps Back at 'Nepo Baby' Claims Amid Their Joint Film Release

Elizabeth Hurley and Damian Hurley attend the 'Strictly Confidential' Special Screening at The Robin Williams Center on April 3, 2024, in New York City.

Elizabeth Hurley’s son has issued a direct response to the “nepo baby” claims that have swirled around him in the wake of his feature film directorial debut.

Damian Hurley, 22, directed the Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery actress in his new thriller, Strictly Confidential. The film was released on Friday, April 5.

The mother-son duo have appeared together at red carpet events often over the last several weeks in anticipation of the film’s release. Their appearances have drawn some critics’ attention to the opportunities available to Damian because of the exposure to Hollywood he gained through his mother. For this reason, he joined a long list of active individuals in Hollywood who have faced the “nepo baby” label.

During a recent interview with People, Damian acknowledged that “connections” he has “absolutely got me in the door to start with.” However, “I'd like to think I've kept myself there,” he added.

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The fledgling director explained that movie-making is a tough job, and “if you don’t make it, you’re cut within seconds.”

Earlier this year, Damian told People that his British actress mother had “promised” to collaborate with him on his first feature film long before the project got off the ground. The two have often spoken about their close relationship, which they said has enabled a special kind of trust when it comes to creating sensitive or vulnerable content.

"It's relaxing knowing someone is behind the camera who looks out for you," Elizabeth said during a recent interview with Access Hollywood. That feeling extended to Strictly Confidential, which involved Damian directing his mother through some intimate scenes.

Having her son leading the project “meant that I felt safe and looked after and I knew in the production, in the post, I knew he'd look after me,” she added.

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