There's been a lot of controversy surrounding Khloé Kardashian's appearance in recent months. That all came to a head when an unauthorized photo made its way online this week of Khloé's body unretouched.
The photo in question was allegedly taken by Khloé's grandmother, Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon. It ended up online when an assistant accidentally shared it to social media.
Everyone should know three things here. One, Khloé looks amazing in the unretouched photo. You can understand why she's self-conscious, but certainly, to most it's still a great picture. Two, Khloé has been treated incredibly harshly in the media for her looks for the entire duration of her public life. Whether you think that's an occupational hazard or not, it certainly has to take a toll on a person. Three, as we all are aware, the Kardashians contribute to some of the same problematic standards that they feel confined by.
It's a multifaceted situation that Khloé tried to provide some clarity on with a statement reflecting why she was having the photo be taken down from many sites, how she's felt about her body, and more. While many praised her candor, there were also many, including Katie Couric, who asked why she and her family don't do more to stop conforming to and spreading those problematic standards.
Khloé Kardashian is opening up about her body insecurity struggles as a way to explain the controversy surrounding a photo of her that went public this week. The photo was posted on grandmother MJ's social media by accident by an assistant. It shows Khloé in a bikini, minus any filters or Photoshop.
Reports began surfacing soon after that Twitter was taking down the photo when people shared it. Additionally, people said the Kardashians were taking legal action against any outlet that shared the photo. Whatever was going on, it was clear that Khloé didn't want the photo online.
Khloé went live on Instagram to prove what her body looks like in real time. She also posted a lengthy statement about how she's gotten to where she is today.
"Hey guys, this is me and my body unretouched and unfiltered," she wrote.
"The photo that was posted this week was beautiful. But as someone who has struggled with body image her whole life, when someone takes a photo of you that isn't flattering in bad lighting or doesn't capture your body the way it is after working so hard to get it to this point – and then shares it to the world – you should have every right to ask for it not to be shared – regardless of who you are."
"In truth, the pressure, constant ridicule and judgment my entire life to be perfect and to meet other's standards of how I should look has been too much to bear," she continued.
"'Khloé is the fat sister.' 'Khloé is the ugly sister.' 'Her dad must not be her real dad because she looks so different.' 'The only way she could have lost that weight must have been from surgery.'"
"Oh but who cares how she feels because she grew up in a life of privilege. She's also on a reality show so she signed up for all of this," she added, noting a common criticism of her.
"I'm of course not asking for sympathy but I am asking to be acknowledged for being human. I am not perfect but I promise you that I try everyday to live my life as honestly as possible and with empathy and kindness. It doesn't mean that I have not made mistakes. But I'm not going to lie. It's almost unbearable trying to live up to the impossible standards that the public have all set for me."
"For over a decade now in photos, every single flaw and imperfection has been micro-analyzed and made fun of to the smallest detail and I am reminded of them everyday by the world," Khloé said.
"And when I take that criticism to use as motivation to get myself in the best shape of my life and to even help others with the same struggles, I am told I couldn't have done it through hard work and I must have paid for it all."
"You never quite get used to being judged and pulled apart and told how unattractive one is, but I will say if you hear anything enough then you will start to believe it," she added.
"This is an example of how I have been conditioned to feel, that I am not beautiful enough just being me."
"I love a good filter, good lighting and an edit here and there. The same way I throw on some make-up, get my nails done, or wear a pair of heels to present myself to the world the way I want to be seen, and it's exactly what I will continue to do unapologetically," she continued.
"My body, my image and how I choose to look and what I want to share is my choice. It's not for anyone to decide or judge what is acceptable anymore."
"For those else who feel the constant pressure of not ever feeling perfect enough, I want you to know I see you and I understand," she added.
"Everyday I am told by my family and friends who love me that I am beautiful but I know that it needs to be believed from within. We are all unique and perfect in our own way. Whichever way one chooses to be seen. I have realized that we cannot continue to live life trying to fit into the perfect mold of what others have set for us. Just do you and make sure your heart is happy."
A lot of people showed sympathy for Khloé and have noted how hard it must be for her. As far as image is concerned, she has always been ridiculed in a way that her sisters have not. It appeared to be one of the things that bonded her and brother Rob Kardashian, who was also torn apart publicly for significant weight gain.
As many also pointed out, fixing that problem requires them to stop contributing to unrealistic beauty standards by trying to attain them. Katie Couric noted this in her comment.
"This was raw and honest but I agree with those who say the non stop procedures and constant filters are promoting unrealistic and harmful beauty standards," she wrote.
Many fans have urged Khloé to think about young and impressionable fans. The Kardashians may have the power to start something as far as ridding society of these unattainable standards, but them alone doing it will only draw as much criticism as anything they do does. It needs to be a bigger conversation and a bigger movement to make today's biggest stars look like the average person again.
