Kim Kardashian has swiftly addressed criticism after facing backlash for promoting her clothing brand while the devastating fires ravaged parts of Los Angeles. The 44-year-old media personality, who has a massive following, was called out by fans for seeming “tone-deaf” in her posts, as she continued to promote her brand during a time of crisis without mentioning the fires that were affecting her city.
On Friday, January 10th, following the online outrage, Kardashian took to both her personal and business Instagram stories to address the situation. She acknowledged the fires and revealed that she had already taken steps to assist those affected. “We have donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation providing critical resources to the heroic first responders protecting our city,” Kardashian shared.
In her statement, she also highlighted her contributions through her brand, Skims. “Additionally, we are making a sizable donation of underwear, clothing, and socks to Baby2Baby to help those displaced by the fires,” Kardashian added, demonstrating her commitment to the cause. This move was an effort to alleviate the public’s concerns, showing that her focus was also on helping the community during this challenging time.
Kardashian’s social media post also included a call to action for her followers, encouraging them to contribute to the cause. “As our community faces the devastation of the Los Angeles fires, our hearts are with all those impacted, and we are committed to helping during this challenging time,” she wrote in another slide. She further urged her fans to “bring hope and relief to those who need it most.”
The backlash stemmed from the timing of Kardashian’s earlier promotional posts. This week, she had been advertising Skims’ winter sale, with no mention of the ongoing crisis in her home city. Critics deemed her posts insensitive, given the severity of the fires that were impacting thousands of people.
While Kardashian faced significant online criticism, her swift response and donation efforts seem to have calmed some of the tensions. Her proactive steps demonstrate her ability to adapt in the face of public scrutiny, proving that she is aware of the responsibility she carries as a public figure.