Kim Kardashian is once again facing backlash – this time, it’s not over her parenting of 13-year-old daughter North West, but rather comments she made about her wealthy childhood in a new interview with Sunday Times Style.
In the interview, published October 3rd, the 46-year-old Kardashians star opened up about a number of things, including her picture-perfect upbringing in Beverly Hills and how she is trying to teach her own children about hard work and gratitude despite their lavish lifestyle. However, some people online found her comments “cringe” and tone-deaf, accusing her of bragging about her wealth and privilege. Keep reading to find out more…
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Kim Kardashian Talks About Her Upbringing In New 'Sunday Times Style' Interview
Speaking about her upbringing, the Skims founder said: "I grew up in Beverly Hills. We had this picture-perfect upbringing, two Rolls-Royces in our driveway, living behind the Beverly Hills Hotel, tennis matches every weekend."
Her late father, Robert Kardashian, was a successful attorney and businessman who famously served on O.J. Simpson's defense team during his 1995 murder trial. His business ventures and investments helped provide the family with their luxurious lifestyle. Kim also had connections in the entertainment industry from an early age, having famously worked as an assistant to her childhood friend, socialite Paris Hilton, before finding fame herself.
Despite growing up surrounded by wealth, the mom-of-four recalled that her father always emphasized the importance of hard work to her and her siblings. She said: "My dad would always say to me, 'You see this big life, you're going to have to work extra hard to maintain the life that you have seen, because this isn't your life.'"
The billionaire businesswoman went on to explain that she is trying to instill similar values in her four children – North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm – whom she shares with ex-husband Kanye West. "It's something I talk to my kids about constantly, about hard work, never taking things for granted, always having gratitude. I lead by example," she said.
"I'm really open with them about my work, all of the hard work that I put into my law studies, and they're proud. I think that you can have a big life and still have that spirit in you. But it is more challenging," she continued.
Kim – who also faced backlash from social media for revealing she has five nannies for her four children in the same interview – discussed the challenges of raising her children in the spotlight, particularly her eldest daughter, North, who is already pursuing a career in music.
Kardashian explained that she is careful about which opportunities her daughter takes on, as she wants to make sure North doesn't grow up too quickly in the public eye. "North loves it a little bit more than the rest," she said, before adding: "I hold her back. All she wants to do is forward-facing projects."
Fans React To Kim Kardashian's Comments About Her 'Perfect Upbringing'
Although Kardashian appeared to be reflecting on her childhood and comparing it to her own children's experiences, many people on social media interpreted her comments negatively. One person described the interview as "cringe," while another accused her of being "tone-deaf." Others across social media called her "out of touch" and "entitled" due to her privileged start in life.
"She started from the top," one person commented on a Reddit thread discussing her interview. "Using her massive head start of wealth and privilege to create more wealth and privilege. So iconic!" a second person sarcastically wrote.
"I wonder when she'll start working hard to get the life that's been handed to her," a third person quipped. "Pretty much the only thing she knows. Nothing else matters, only money. And as long as there is wealth, she's on the right track. Sad," a fourth person criticized.
"'Perfect upbringing' which she defines as wealth, as opposed to her mother's chronic infidelity, love child in their midst, and parents' bitter divorce," a fifth person wrote, making allegations about Kardashian's family history.
"The entitlement is so crazy to me. I don't have 1/8th of what she does, yet even I can acknowledge the privilege being from a solidly middle to upper middle-class family has brought me. People like the Kardashians are so out of touch that it's repulsive," a sixth person added.
