Kim Kardashian has apologised for telling women in business that “it seems like nobody wants to work these days” in a clip that went viral on social media.
The reality star and businesswoman, who was declared a billionaire in 2021, made the comments in a filmed clip published by Variety – saying her advice was to “get your f***ing ass up and work”.
Many on social media were quick to point out that growing up in a privileged, wealthy family in Los Angeles has its advantages when it comes to being able to find work, describing Kardashian‘s comments as “tone deaf”.
It was were even noted at the Oscars at the weekend, with hosts Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes telling audiences they needed to “work harder”.
Kardashian has now apologised and clarified the remarks, telling Good Morning America her comments were “not a blanket statement” and that she was responding after being asked about being “famous for being famous”.
She said: “That statement that I said was without questions and conversations around it and it became a soundbite really with no context.
“I came off of the notion and the question right before – which was, ‘after 20 years of being in the business, you’re famous for being famous’.
“My whole tone and attitude changed with the previous question that went into that question about what advice would [I] give to women.”
Kardashian clarified the advice she would give to anyone seeking it.
‘Being on a reality show does not mean overnight success’
“The advice that I would give is that… having a social media presence and being on a reality show does not mean overnight success.
“You have to work really hard to get there even if it might seem like it’s easy and that you can build a really successful business off of social media.
“And you can, if you put in a lot of hard work, and it wasn’t a blanket statement towards women or to feel like I don’t respect the work of think they don’t work hard. I know that they do.”
She added: “It was taken out of context but I’m really sorry if it was received that way.”
Kardashian is the daughter, of the late Robert Kardashian, a high-profile lawyer who was best known for defending OJ Simpson in 1995, and “momager” Kris Jenner.
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She first stepped into the public eye as Paris Hilton’s friend and wardrobe assistant, before rising to fame in the reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
She has gone on to launch beauty and fashion brands and is studying law, as well as starring in the new reality show The Kardashians.
She has four children with rapper Kanye West and is now in a relationship with comedian Pete Davidson, 28, following their split.