Richard Branson's son Sam, 37, launches music career on Lorraine amid nepotism ... trends now
The son of billionaire ex-Virgin mogul Richard Branson has ignited a nepotism row after appearing on ITV to launch his music career.
Sam Branson, who counts Ed Sheeran as a pal and fan, appeared on Lorraine today to celebrate the release of his new song.
The 37-year-old, whose musical alter-ego is Waves Rush In, said he 'plucked up the courage' to pursue his dream of becoming a pop star after 30 years.
But the former adventurer and filmmaker was slammed by viewers after appearing on the show amid accusations of nepotism - as he tried to win fans over with a competition to stay on his private island in Bali if they pre-ordered his album.
It comes as his father Sir Richard - who founded Virgin Records - posted a picture of his lad playing the guitar on the family's private island, saying: 'I'm so proud of Sam.'
Sam Branson, son of billionaire former Virgin Records mogul Sir Richard Branson, launched his music career today during an interview with Lorraine on ITV
The 37-year-old, whose musical alter-ego is Waves Rush In, said he 'plucked up the courage' to pursue his dream of becoming a pop star after 30 years. He is pictured with Lorraine
But the former adventurer and filmmaker was slammed by viewers after appearing on the show amid accusations of nepotism
Sam, who lives in a farmhouse with his wife Isabella Amaryllis Charlotte Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe and two children, on an estate in Oxfordshire originally owned by his father, insisted his route into music had been 'organic' as he downplayed his connection to the rich and famous.
Sam's father, Sir Richard Branson, founded Virgin Record and has previously championed his youngest child's musical work. Sir Richard is pictured in 2019
The singer-songwriter told Lorraine: 'I think it took me 30 years to pluck up the courage with my dad being in the music industry quite a long time ago.
'I was comparing myself to the greats when I was a fledgling. I think I didn't then give myself license to not be very good.
'And to get good at anything you need to have that explorative phase.
'I think it took me 30 years to pluck up the courage and then when I hit 30 I was like "If I can't follow my own passions how can I tell my kids to follow their dreams?".
Speaking to her guest, Lorraine asked Sam whether having a billionaire father - who was a former music mogul - was a hinderance.
Saying it 'shouldn't hold you back, who your dad is, Lorraine added: 'A lot of people say 'oh well, you get doors opened - you kind of do. But then you have got to be twice as good as anybody else.'
Sam said: 'There's a bit more pressure and I'm also kind of taking a more organic route to it. But I think at the end of the day there is nothing that gets
