The newly released biography, "Citizen Kim: The Woman Who Created the Future," by journalist Jonathan Van Meter, offers a candid look into the life of Kim Kardashian, detailing intimate revelations about her relationships and family.
Kris Jenner's Past Affair
Van Meter writes that Kardashian's mother, Kris Jenner, had an "extraordinarily sloppy" affair with a man in his 20s in 1989, which led to the end of her marriage to Kardashian's father, Robert Kardashian Sr. According to the book, Jenner's daughters were aware of her dating life during that period. Kardashian recalled her mother introducing them to a boyfriend who was "10 years younger" and a "playboy." Van Meter reports that Jenner expressed strong reactions upon learning this affair was included in the biography, questioning why it was brought up after 30 years.
Kanye West's Romantic Gestures and Paranoia
The biography sheds light on West's unique expressions of affection and his struggles with paranoia. In 2016, West gifted Kardashian a second engagement ring, a large, 20-something-carat diamond, with "Adidas" engraved inside the band. Van Meter notes this was reportedly purchased with his first Yeezy sneaker sales earnings, a gesture he described as "the least romantic gesture imaginable." Kardashian recounted wearing both engagement rings to one of West's concerts, prompting him to warn her about appearing too flashy, fearing she would be robbed. This warning preceded Kardashian's actual armed robbery in Paris months later.
West's behavior also extended to unannounced visits. The book details an instance where West arrived unannounced at a multimillion-dollar Malibu mansion, designed by Tadao Ando, and stayed for four days. He reportedly told the hesitant homeowner, "If Elvis Presley came to your door and rang your buzzer, would you let him in? This is that." West then used the poolside area as his "office" for four days, taking meetings. This property was later purchased by Beyoncé and Jay-Z for $200 million.
Kardashian's Art Acquisition and Family History
Kardashian's decision to purchase a Claude Monet painting was driven by a connection to her favorite movie, "Clueless." She explained that in the film, girls were referred to as "a Monet" if they looked good from afar but were a "mess" up close. Kardashian acquired the painting not for its artistic merit or West's influence, but as a piece of "high school nostalgia."
More disturbingly, the book reveals details from Kardashian's divorce proceedings from her first husband, Damon Thomas. Kardashian alleged that Thomas showed her father nude photos of one of her sisters, though the sister was not identified in the book. According to court documents cited by Van Meter, Thomas reportedly told Robert Sr., "Your daughters are whores, and I have the pictures to prove it," and subsequently sent the photos as wrapped gifts to a friend's workplace.
Final Conversations and Difficult Co-Parenting
Kardashian's father, Robert Sr., shared his last words with her before his death from esophageal cancer in 2003. He told her, "You'll be fine. But take care of the other ones. And make sure your brother's good," referring to her siblings Kourtney, Khloé, and Rob Jr. Kardashian's final words to her father were an expression of gratitude for his teachings and a promise to carry his lessons forward.
The biography also touches on the difficulties of co-parenting with West. Kardashian described it as a "big burden," stating, "Oh, I worry about [West] all day. All the time. That's the father of my kids, I'll never not worry about him." She emphasized that she shields their children from any negative aspects of their parents' relationship.
Communication with West has become indirect, with Kardashian stating she primarily communicates with him "through his wife, Bianca Censori, or through his friend, who is also his manager." She continues to protect her children's perception of their father, creating narratives like him being "on tour" when he is not present.