Kim Kardashian Heavily Vetted Biographer, Demanded Input on 'Citizen Kim'

Kim Kardashian took an active role in the creation of her biography, "Citizen Kim: The Woman Who Created the Future," by closely vetting its author, Jonathan Van Meter, and providing extensive feedback on draft chapters. Kardashian's involvement began with a crucial endorsement from Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Before agreeing to the project, Kardashian sought Wintour's approval, who has a long professional relationship with Van Meter, having collaborated with him on numerous features for Vogue over 17 years.

Van Meter, an experienced writer for publications including Vogue and Vanity Fair, spent five years working on the biography. He conducted interviews with Kardashian's family members, childhood acquaintances, and close friends, including Caitlyn Jenner, Ivanka Trump, and Van Jones. Kardashian herself was involved in the process, receiving draft chapters to fact-check and providing detailed handwritten notes and corrections.

One particular chapter detailing Kardashian's teenage romance with TJ Jackson reportedly moved her to tears during the fact-checking process. Van Meter recalled Kardashian telling him, "I gave that 13- or 14-year-old girl some grace."

Initially, an interview with Kardashian's ex-husband, Kanye West, was planned, with her publicist reportedly assuring Van Meter that West would be very forthcoming. However, as West's public behavior became more erratic, Van Meter ultimately decided against pursuing the interview, deeming him an "unreliable narrator."

Van Meter also opted not to interview their daughter, North, feeling she was too young to consent to being included in the book. He expressed regret over the decision to cut pages dedicated to North, stating, "everyone felt she was too young."

Kris Jenner, Kardashian's mother, reportedly had a strong reaction to reading the book, with her response being filmed for the Hulu series "The Kardashians."

Kardashian's meticulous approach to the biography underscores her careful management of her public image, extending even to the narrative of her life story.