How ‘humble’ Kim Kardashian’s 40th birthday party outraged the world – from bragging to defying travel ban
SHE loves a lavish party, so there was never any doubt Kim Kardashian would pull out all the stops to celebrate her 40th.
But rubbing it in everyone’s faces during a pandemic was a birthday gift from the social media queen that many of her fans could have done without.
She missed the global mood in spectacular style by posting a series of photos from her extravagant week-long bash on Tuesday evening.
The reality star, believed to be worth more than a billion dollars, flew 40 of her closest friends and family on a 4,000-mile trip to a private island near Tahiti.
But she was slammed by her followers for bragging about the glamorous celebrations online while millions around the globe face personal devastation and financial turmoil during the Covid-19 crisis.
Kim’s incredible all-access photos and videos showed her enjoying a lantern party on the beach, an outdoor film screening and a three-tier Barbie doll cake.
Those who joined the star on the lavish break include siblings Kourtney, Khloe and Rob Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, her mum Kris Jenner and Kim’s husband Kanye — who was previously criticised for making a 24-hour trip to London this month with their daughter North without quarantining.
They were all housed in opulent beachside villas and taken out on daily excursions at a time when millions of people are broke and confined to their homes.
Angry fans also noticed that while she and her guests were enjoying A-list luxury, the local staff were expected to wear masks to wait on them hand and foot.
And they made the journey from California despite the state being under a non-essential travel ban.
TV host Piers Morgan was among those who slated Kim for her bragging during a time of global suffering.
Reposting her photos, he tweeted: “This thread is so repulsive it makes me want to vomit.
“Not that we needed confirmation but what a spoiled, tone-deaf imbecile.”
One follower wrote of Kim: “Wow. Lucky you. Thanks for showing off your way awesome life to us unfortunate people who are still quarantined and our kids are still out of in person school and PEOPLE ARE DYING!! But sure, brag away. Disgusting.”
Another said: “They should read the room before flaunting their wealth and endangering the staff who have to be their wage slaves.”
Others accused Kim — who claimed to be “humbled” by her birthday celebrations — of not living in the “real world”.
In a post which racked up more than 34,000 likes on Twitter, writer Jenna Quigley replied: “Cool, people have had to say goodbye to loved ones over the phone while they died alone in a hospital.
“But neat . . . to post all over social media while the world suffers. So humble and so down to Earth, truly.”
Seventies Brit rock singer Peter Frampton tweeted: “Are you that insensitive you don’t realize this is not what the majority of people during the worst Covid spike yet want to hear?
“People are going to food banks not private islands.”
Kim insisted her seven-day party had been held safely.
She wrote alongside the photos: “40 and feeling so humbled and blessed.
“There is not a single day that I take for granted, especially during these times when we are all reminded of the things that truly matter.
“For my birthday this year, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend it than with some of the people who have helped shape me into the woman I am today.
“Before Covid, I don’t think any of us truly appreciated what a simple luxury it was to be able to travel and be together with family and friends in a safe environment.
“After two weeks of multiple health screens and asking everyone to quarantine, I surprised my closest inner circle with a trip to a private island where we could pretend things were normal just for a brief moment in time.
“We danced, rode bikes, swam near whales, kayaked, watched a movie on the beach and so much more.
“I realize that for most people, this is something that is so far out of reach right now, so in moments like these I am humbly reminded of how privileged my life is.”
After returning home to California yesterday, the star posted videos on social media of the expensive gifts she had received for her big 4-0 while she was away.
They included more than 20 extravagant flower arrangements, several cakes, clothes, shoes and even a a visit from a food van selling her favourite desserts.
But following the backlash, the family tried to win sympathy by revealing Kim’s sister Khloe was struck down by Covid-19 earlier this year.
They released a clip from an upcoming episode of their reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, filmed several months ago, where she complained of symptoms.
After saying she had suffered vomiting, shaking, headaches and hot and cold flushes, Khloe insisted: “Let me tell you, that s*** is real.
Piers can't keep up
By Dulcie Pearce, Deputy Head of Features and Kim Kardashian fan
IT’S official. Social media is only a place for whining, being offended and trolling. And curses to anyone who uses it for its original purpose – showing off.
Kim Kardashian is mocked and damned to hell for putting up her party pictures.
I have spent 13 years being endlessly entertained by her extravagant behaviour – and during these bleak times, I need her brazen glitz and glamour more than ever.
Boo-hooing Piers Morgan is offended by Kim living her best life.
Weirdly, the corona king of rules doesn’t like her spending money, helping the economy and sticking to the rules while she’s doing it.
But weren’t we subjected to snaps of rigor mortis smiles from Morgan and his dining partners Joan Collins and Amanda Holden in the South of France all summer?
It feels like an attack of the green-eyed monster from the GMB presenter, whose lavish holibobs now look like a rainy night in a one-man tent compared to Kim’s private island retreat.
Let’s face it, Piers, you can’t keep up with Kim.
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“Just found out that I do have corona. I have been in my room.
“It’s gonna be fine, but it was really bad for a couple days.”
Unlike her sister, Kim’s reputation will probably take more than 48 hours to recover.
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