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 who rose to prominence in 2007 following the release of a sex tape. She and her family starred in the reality television series Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which aired until 2021 and spawned several spin-offs. The family now stars in Hulu's The Kardashians (2022–present).

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

1994: Father Represented O. J. Simpson

In 1994, Kim Kardashian's father, Robert Kardashian, represented football player O. J. Simpson during his murder trial, a highly publicized event.

2003: Sex tape made with Ray J

In 2003, Kim Kardashian made a sex tape with singer Ray J, which was later leaked on the internet in February 2007.

2004: Unauthorized charges alleged

In 2004, Sonja Norwood alleged that Kim Kardashian had been authorized to make "one and only one" purchase on her American Express credit card and that Kardashian and her sisters had incurred over $120,000 in unauthorized charges to that card.

2006: Unauthorized charges at family boutique

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

February 2007: Sex Tape Leak

In February 2007, a sex tape featuring Kim Kardashian and singer Ray J from 2003 was leaked online, gaining significant media attention and causing controversy.

2007: Gained Media Attention

In 2007, Kim Kardashian first gained media attention following the unauthorized release of a sex tape with Ray J. This event marked a significant turning point in her public profile.

2007: Unauthorized charges at family boutique

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

2008: Lawsuit filed by Norwood

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

2009: Lawsuit settled confidentially

In 2009, the parties in the lawsuit between Sonja Norwood and Kim Kardashian reportedly reached a confidential settlement, and the lawsuit was dismissed.

October 2011: Divorce Filing From Kris Humphries

In October 2011, after 72 days of marriage, Kim Kardashian filed for divorce from Kris Humphries, citing irreconcilable differences. The event led to widespread media speculation and controversy.

2011: Lawsuit Against Old Navy

In 2011, Kim Kardashian filed a $20 million lawsuit against clothing retailer Old Navy for allegedly misappropriating her likeness in an advertisement.

August 2012: Old Navy Lawsuit Settlement

By August 2012, Kim Kardashian and Gap (Old Navy's parent company) settled a lawsuit regarding Old Navy's use of a Kardashian look-alike in an advertisement, for an undisclosed amount.

2012: Named Among "Most Annoying Celebrities"

In 2012, a British survey identified Kim Kardashian as one of the "most annoying celebrities".

October 2, 2016: Robbery in Paris

On October 2, 2016, while attending Paris Fashion Week, Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in her apartment, with $10 million worth of jewelry stolen.

October 6, 2016: Production of KUWTK Placed on Hold

On October 6, 2016, it was revealed that filming for the next season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians had been placed "on hold indefinitely" after the robbery.

October 10, 2016: Video Released After Robbery

On October 10, 2016, a video showing Kim Kardashian immediately after the Paris robbery was released, leading to skepticism about the veracity of the event.

October 25, 2016: Lawsuit Dropped

On October 25, 2016, Kim Kardashian dropped the lawsuit she had filed against media outlets after the release of a video following her robbery.

January 9, 2017: Detainment of Persons of Interest

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

October 2018: Meeting with President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda

In October 2018, Kim Kardashian and her husband Kanye West met with President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda. Kanye West discussed tourism in Uganda during a press conference. The couple faced criticism for meeting with Museveni due to his crackdown on the opposition and the Ugandan LGBT community.

August 2019: Shapewear Rebranded to Skims

In August 2019, Kim Kardashian rebranded her shapewear company from "Kimono" to "Skims" following criticism over cultural appropriation.

2020: French Prosecutors Seek Trial

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

January 2021: Divorce Discussions Reported

In January 2021, it was reported that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were discussing divorce.

February 19, 2021: Files for Divorce from Kanye West

On February 19, 2021, Kim Kardashian officially filed for divorce from Kanye West.

January 2022: Named as Defendant in EthereumMax Lawsuit

In January 2022, Kim Kardashian was named as a defendant in a class-action lawsuit against the cryptocurrency company EthereumMax, alleging a pump and dump scheme.

February 2022: Files Complaint for Quicker Divorce Proceedings

In February 2022, Kim Kardashian filed a complaint to the Los Angeles Superior Court asking for quicker divorce proceedings from Kanye West, citing delays and resistance from West.

October 2022: SEC Fine for Promoting EthereumMax

In October 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced that Kardashian had agreed to pay a $1.26 million fine for failing to report a $250,000 payment to promote the EthereumMax token.

December 2022: EthereumMax Lawsuit Dismissed

In December 2022, the Central California U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald dismissed the lawsuit on the basis that the claims were insufficiently supported.

April 2025: Robbery Case Trial

In April 2025, the trial for the robbery case finally commenced, with Kim Kardashian giving evidence in person. Eight of the defendants were convicted and two were acquitted.