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. She initially garnered attention through her association with Paris Hilton but rose to prominence following the 2007 release of a sex tape. Kardashian and her family subsequently starred in the reality television series Keeping Up with the Kardashians (2007-2021), which spawned several spin-offs. She currently appears in the Hulu series, The Kardashians (2022-present).

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

2003: Sex tape with Ray J

In 2003, Kim Kardashian filmed a sex tape with Ray J, which was released in 2007.

2003: Filming of Sex Tape

In 2003, Kim Kardashian filmed a sex tape with her then-boyfriend Ray J, which later contributed to her rise to fame.

2004: Unauthorized Charges Allegations

In 2004, Sonja Norwood alleged that Kim Kardashian made unauthorized charges on her American Express credit card.

2006: Unauthorized Charges Allegations related to Dash Boutique

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

February 2007: Sex Tape Leak

In February 2007, a sex tape made by Kim Kardashian and singer Ray J in 2003 was leaked, gaining national attention.

2007: Unauthorized Charges Allegations related to Dash Boutique

In 2007, Sonja Norwood alleged that the bulk of unauthorized 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" was released, bringing Kim Kardashian wider notice. She and her family also began appearing on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" that year.

2008: Sonja Norwood Filed a Lawsuit

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

2009: Confidential Settlement Reached

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

October 2011: Divorce filing

In October 2011, after 72 days of marriage, Kim Kardashian filed for divorce from Kris Humphries, citing irreconcilable differences.

October 2, 2016: Robbery in Paris

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

October 10, 2016: Video Release After Robbery

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

October 25, 2016: Lawsuit Dropped

On October 25, 2016, Kim Kardashian dropped the lawsuit regarding the video, leading to further criticism that the robbery was a ploy to generate media attention.

June 2018: Granting of Clemency for Alice Marie Johnson

In June 2018, Kim Kardashian advocated for Alice Marie Johnson, who received a life sentence for a first-time drug offense. President Donald Trump granted clemency to Johnson.

October 2018: Meeting with President Museveni

In October 2018, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West met with President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda and were criticized for the meeting.

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".

January 2022: Named in EthereumMax Lawsuit

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

July 2022: Support for Rapper Gunna's Release

In July 2022, Kim Kardashian publicly expressed her support for rapper Gunna, petitioning for his release from prison. Gunna was imprisoned without bond and charged with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

October 2022: Fine for Promoting Cryptocurrency

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 a $250,000 payment to promote the EthereumMax token.

December 2022: Dismissal of EthereumMax Lawsuit

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

December 2023: Public Expression of Belief in Toforest Johnson's Innocence

In December 2023, Kim Kardashian publicly expressed her belief in the innocence of Alabama prisoner Toforest Johnson, who has been on death row for over 25 years. Kardashian posted about Johnson's case on her Instagram account and added a link to Earwitness, a serial podcast about Johnson's case, and to an advocacy website with more information about the case.