Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kim Kardashian

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Kim Kardashian.

Kim Kardashian is an American media personality, socialite, and businesswoman. Initially known for her association with Paris Hilton, she gained widespread recognition following the release of a 2003 sex tape in 2007. Later in 2007, she and her family starred in the reality television series Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which aired until 2021, spawning numerous spin-offs. She currently stars in the Hulu series The Kardashians, which started in 2022.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

2004: Alleged Unauthorized Credit Card Charges

In 2004, Sonja Norwood alleged that Kardashian and her sisters incurred over $120,000 in unauthorized charges on her American Express credit card.

2006: Alleged Credit Card Charges at Family Boutique

In 2006, Norwood alleged that the bulk of the credit card charges were attributable to purchases made at Kardashian's family-owned boutique.

February 2007: Sex Tape Leak and Lawsuit

In February 2007, a sex tape made by Kim Kardashian and Ray J in 2003 was leaked, gaining national attention. Kardashian filed a lawsuit against Vivid Entertainment.

2007: Alleged Credit Card Charges at Family Boutique

In 2007, Norwood alleged that the bulk of the credit card charges were attributable to purchases made at Kardashian's family-owned boutique.

2007: Sex Tape Release and Rise to Fame

In 2007, the sex tape Kim Kardashian, Superstar, filmed with Ray J in 2003, was released, bringing Kim Kardashian wider notice. Later in 2007, Kim and her family began appearing on Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

2008: Lawsuit Filed by Sonja Norwood

In 2008, after no payments had been made, Sonja Norwood filed a lawsuit against Kim Kardashian regarding the alleged unauthorized credit card charges.

2009: Confidential Settlement Reached

In 2009, the parties reportedly reached a confidential settlement and the lawsuit was dismissed regarding the alleged unauthorized credit card charges.

October 2011: Divorce from Kris Humphries and TV Special Airs

In October 2011, a two-part TV special showcasing Kim Kardashian's wedding preparations and the wedding itself aired on E!. On October 31, 2011, after 72 days of marriage, Kardashian filed for divorce from Kris Humphries citing irreconcilable differences.

2013: Appearance in Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor and Razzie Award

In 2013, Kim Kardashian appeared in Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor, for which she won the Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actress.

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2014: Paper Magazine Cover and Pictorial

In 2014, Kim Kardashian appeared on the cover and in a pictorial in Paper's winter issue, photographed by Jean-Paul Goude, with a cover featuring her nude buttocks and the caption "Break the Internet".

April 2016: Article Condemning WSJ Advertisement

In April 2016, Kim Kardashian wrote an article on her website condemning The Wall Street Journal for running an advertisement by FactCheckArmenia.com denying the Armenian genocide.

October 2, 2016: Robbery at Gunpoint in Paris

On October 2, 2016, while attending Paris Fashion Week, Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in her apartment. Five individuals stole $10 million worth of jewelry after binding and gagging her.

October 10, 2016: Release of Video Immediately After Robbery

On October 10, 2016, a video was released showing Kim Kardashian immediately after the robbery, prompting questions about the authenticity of the event.

October 25, 2016: Lawsuit Dropped

On October 25, 2016, Kim Kardashian dropped the lawsuit against media outlets that published the video after the robbery, prompting further criticism and skepticism.

January 9, 2017: Detainment of Persons of Interest in Robbery Case

On January 9, 2017, French police detained 17 persons of interest for questioning in Kim Kardashian's robbery case.

October 2018: Meeting with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni

In October 2018, Kim Kardashian and her husband Kanye West met with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during a trip to Uganda, which led to criticism.

August 2019: Shapewear Company Rebranded to Skims

In August 2019, Kim Kardashian rebranded her shapewear company to "Skims" following criticism over the original name, Kimono.

2020: Condemnation of Azerbaijan's Actions

In 2020, Kim Kardashian condemned the actions of Azerbaijan in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and expressed her support for Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh.

2020: French Prosecutors Seek Trial for Suspects

In 2020, it was revealed that French prosecutors would seek trial for 12 suspects in Kim Kardashian's robbery case.

2021: Suspects Awaiting Trial

In 2021, the suspects in Kim Kardashian's robbery were still awaiting trial.

January 2022: Named in EthereumMax Lawsuit

In January 2022, Kim Kardashian, along with other celebrities, was named as a defendant in a class-action lawsuit against the cryptocurrency company EthereumMax for allegedly promoting the EthereumMax token.

October 2022: SEC Fine for Cryptocurrency Promotion

In October 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Kim Kardashian agreed to pay a $1.26 million fine for failing to report receiving a $250,000 payment to promote the EthereumMax token and agreed to not promote cryptocurrency assets for three years.

December 2022: EthereumMax Lawsuit Dismissed

In December 2022, the lawsuit against Kim Kardashian and other celebrities regarding the promotion of EthereumMax was dismissed by a Central California U.S. District Court Judge.