Khloe Kardashian ‘could lose MILLIONS’ as fans ‘feel they’ve been lied to’ after she confesses to photoshopping pics
KHLOE Kardashian “could lose millions” as fans “feel they’ve been lied to” after she confessed to photoshopping her pictures on social media, a public relations expert has claimed.
The prediction comes after fans slammed the star for “placing the blame” on the public for her own body insecurities.
Read our Khloe Kardashian live blog for the latest news.
In an interview with Mirror, PR expert Rob Cooper revealed that the ball is now in Khloe’s court after she lashed out at her fans with a series of “unedited pictures,” where she talked about the constant ridicule and judgment she faced growing up.
However, Khloe has been able to make money out of those insecurities as she created a denim brand, Good American, made specifically for curvier women.
“The reason Khloe will be panicking about her unedited image going viral online is likely to be more to do with the impact it will have on her brand than any self-confidence issues,” the PR expert explained.
“Frustratingly for Khloe, by trying to have the unedited bikini shot removed from the internet she has created something called the ‘Streisand effect.’ This is when a person tries to remove or suppress images online, but by doing so they create more unwanted attention which then heightens the publicity for the image.”
He then explained that the mom of one’s mistake happened when she justified “to herself that heavily editing your images on social media is no different to when images are airbrushed on the covers of magazines.”
“However, it is different, because she’s managed to amass 136 million followers on her Instagram. Many of these are fans who follow her life on social media believing they are getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse – when in reality they are being presented with a cleverly crafted image.”
He continued: “Khloe will without doubt lose fans over this, not because they disapprove of the image in the slightest, but because they feel they have been lied to, and it’s that they will dislike and will be damaging to her brand
“It’s very hard to justify using heavily edited images when fronting shows such as Revenge Body when it comes to light that the body you claim to have… you actually don’t.
“It’s also very difficult to justify having a jean brand like Good American which uses the phrases ‘All bodies, All sizes, No compromises’ and ‘Representing Body Acceptance’ when its own ambassador is altering her image, which gives the impression that she doesn’t fully accept her own body.”
Rob added: “This is likely to lose Khloe millions in future endorsement revenue. A celebrity’s online subscribers are people who emotionally invested into them as a person, but once they stop becoming emotionally invested subscribers they simply become viewers, who are not as prone to buy into products and therefore the celebrity’s selling power plummets.
“Personally, I would love to see Khloe really own this opportunity. She should have the unedited image blown up onto a billboard for Good American, embrace the moment and apologise to fans for misleading them.
“Fans are always happy to forgive a mistake, but what they won’t do is forgive an ongoing lie.”
A few days ago, Khloe’s world seemed to crumble when people began chattering over the stark contrast between her typical photos and the recently leaked snap.
Following the scandal, which allegedly began when the Kardashian’s grandmother MJ accidentally posted the photo on her social media, the Good American founder shared several clips to Instagram on Wednesday night that nearly bared all as she wore only a pair of nude underwear.
“Hey guys, this is me and my body unretouched and unfiltered,” she wrote on Instagram.
“The photo that was posted this week is 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 to not be shared – regardless of who you are.”
She then got honest about the impact online chatter has had on her: “In truth, the pressure, constant ridicule and judgement my entire life to be perfect and to meet other’s standards of how I should look has been too much to bear.”
The reality star then went on to quote several harsh comments she has received over the years: “Khloe’s the fat sister. Khloe’s the ugly sister. Her dad must not be her real dad because she looks so different. The only way she could have lost weight must have been from surgery. Should I go on?”
Khloe then explained: “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.
“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 I have not made mistakes. But I’m not going to lie, It’s almost unbearable trying to live up to the impossible standard 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.”
She concluded by saying that she “never got used” to being told “how unattractive one is” and admitted that if one “hears anything enough” they “start to believe it.”
“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. 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 or not anymore.”
Sadly, not many fans were sympathetic and they further slammed her for not making this a teachable moment and admit that they look like regular people.
One person wrote on the comments: “You had an opportunity there to share to young women and every woman out there who looks up to you what body positivity is! It is amazing to post glam photos of yourself everyday but it’s also amazing to show your flaws as well. That was a beautiful rare photo and you blew the opportunity […] Would be a powerful thing to see a Kardashian be vulnerable about their insecurities.”
A second one turned the tables on her and blamed the Kardashian family themselves for setting up impossible beauty standards, adding: “You don’t need to share some videos, what do you gain from that. Learn and teach your daughter that she does not need validation from anyone.”
And a third one shared: “Don’t you think posting more unedited not so perfect photos might make other women feel better about [their] bodies instead of air brushing and blurring every imperfection.”
Since earlier this week, The Kardashians’ crisis management team has desperately attempted to completely remove the leaked snap of Khloe from the internet – even sending out “legal threats” to take down the bikini shot.
Fans have slammed the Good American founder’s efforts to scrape the photo from the internet as she typically boasts body positivity and acceptance.
On Monday, a source close to the famous family exclusively told The Sun that Khloe “completely lost it” and wanted it taken down “as soon as possible” when the post was shared.
“She was freaking out and within minutes the photo already began circulating everywhere,” the source said.
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The informant alleged that Khloe became emotional and “embarrassed” as she “knew this was going to be a big deal.”
“But the positive comments have genuinely seemed to help,” the source added.
Though many fans appeared shocked by the rare unedited glimpse at the Kardashian sister, a lot gushed how “beautiful” Khloe looked “naturally” and insisted she “doesn’t need photoshop” to look good.
