Kim Kardashian

In October 2025, Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner sued Ray J for defamation and false light, alleging that he had stated or implied that they were subject to a federal RICO-type investigation and made remarks comparing them to the Diddy case. Ray J denied defaming them and counterclaimed, relying in part on a confidential 2023 agreement connected to the sex tape. In August 2026, a Los Angeles judge declined to dismiss Kardashian and Jenner's defamation claims; the proceedings remained active.

State of the evidence

Documented

Beauty Concepts, which operates a salon under the SKKN+ brand, sued Kardashian, her entities and Coty, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition, among other claims, following the launch of SKKN BY KIM.

Attribution

Accused

In an interview offering advice to businesswomen, Kardashian said people needed to 'get your fucking ass up and work', adding that nobody seemed to want to work these days. The remark was sharply criticised as contemptuous towards workers and oblivious to her own privilege.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Kardashian wore Marilyn Monroe's original 1962 dress to the Met Gala. A collector subsequently published images claiming that the garment had suffered permanent damage, sparking controversy over preservation of cultural heritage.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

During California's drought, two properties associated with Kardashian exceeded their monthly water allocations in June 2022 by a reported total of approximately 232,000 gallons. The excess use was recorded under restrictions imposed by the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.

State of the evidence

Documented

The SEC accused Kardashian of promoting the EthereumMax token on Instagram without disclosing that she had received $250,000 for the post. In October 2022, she agreed to pay $1.26 million in disgorgement, interest and a penalty, cooperate with the investigation and refrain from promoting crypto-assets for three years.

Attribution

Directly implicated

In 2016, Kim Kardashian published excerpts of a telephone call between Kanye West and Taylor Swift to support the claim that Swift had been informed of certain elements of the song 'Famous'. Swift disputed having approved the insulting term ultimately used and objected to the release of a conversation recorded without her knowledge. A longer version of the call leaked in 2020, reigniting debate.

State of the evidence

Disputed

Attribution

Personally implicated

For her 40th birthday, Kardashian gathered family and friends on a private island during the COVID-19 pandemic and published photographs explaining that guests had been tested and quarantined beforehand. The posts prompted a strong backlash, with many finding them disconnected from the public's health and economic difficulties.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Kardashian announced a shapewear line under the name 'Kimono', prompting strong reactions in Japan and elsewhere over appropriation of a term referring to traditional cultural clothing. Kyoto's mayor notably asked her to reconsider the name.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Kardashian described a cornrow hairstyle she wore in 2018 as 'Bo Derek braids', prompting criticism that she was erasing the hairstyle's Black origins and engaging in cultural appropriation.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Kardashian published a sponsored promotion for lollipops marketed as suppressing appetite. The post attracted strong criticism from professionals, celebrities and commentators who accused her of promoting unhealthy behaviour and diet culture to a young audience.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

In Instagram Stories videos, Kardashian's family members commented on her thinness, using the term 'anorexic', among others, and Kardashian reacted enthusiastically to compliments about her weight loss. The clips attracted criticism for trivialising eating disorders.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

A KKW Beauty promotional image showing Kim Kardashian with markedly darkened skin prompted blackface accusations on social media.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Kardashian published a sponsored post recommending Diclegis for morning sickness. The FDA warned manufacturer Duchesnay that the message promoted the drug's effectiveness without adequately presenting its risks and limitations, making the advertisement false or misleading under promotional rules.

State of the evidence

Documented

Kim Kardashian appeared in advertisements for Skechers Shape-ups shoes promoting toning and fitness benefits. In 2012, the Federal Trade Commission reached a $40 million settlement with Skechers over advertising claims considered misleading or inadequately substantiated.

State of the evidence

Documented

Before commercial release of an intimate video recorded with Ray J, Kim Kardashian sued Vivid Entertainment, maintaining that the company had no right to distribute the recording. She subsequently withdrew the action following a financial settlement.

State of the evidence

Settlement