Kim Kardashian, one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment, recently reflected on her early struggles for fame during an emotional appearance on the Keeping Up with the Kardashians reunion show, The Final Curtain Part 1. The 40-year-old reality star candidly revealed that before achieving her current level of success, she was once “super desperate” for the limelight, often going to great lengths to attract attention.
In her honest recount, Kardashian admitted she used to frequent places where paparazzi were known to gather and would go to great lengths to stay in the public eye. She recounted times when she would make unnecessary stops at popular spots like Robertson Boulevard or The Ivy, carrying out elaborate ruses such as pretending to have forgotten items just to be seen. “I would stop off at Robertson. I would stop off at The Ivy and would pick up something to go—even if it was just some bread to go. Anything! An empty bag!” she laughed, reflecting on her past efforts to ensure she was captured by the paparazzi.
Despite her previous desperation, Kardashian now looks back with humor and a sense of acceptance. “I think I can talk about it because it’s so funny. I think people need to be more honest about those moments in life when you’re just super desperate and want that,” she said.
Kardashian also addressed the impact of her infamous sex tape with Ray-J, which significantly raised her public profile. She conceded that the tape played a pivotal role in garnering attention for her family’s E! reality show, which premiered in 2007. “Looking back, probably not,” she admitted when asked if the show would have achieved its initial success without the publicity surrounding the tape. Despite her fame, she expressed regret over the video, wishing she could erase it from her past. “If I could erase any of the stupid things that I’ve done in life, that’s probably it.”
Following her early public struggles, Kardashian transitioned into high-profile relationships, including a brief marriage to NBA player Kris Humphries in 2011, and later to rapper Kanye West. Despite their ongoing divorce, she described Kanye as “family.” Leveraging her reality show fame, Kardashian has built a successful business empire with ventures such as SKIMS and KKW Beauty, which contributed to her billionaire status.
Today, Kardashian values privacy and is open to dating someone who is not famous. “Absolutely. Just someone that’s, you know, I think would understand what this life is about, though,” she said. “But I think what I was looking for and who I was, you know, years ago is completely different than who I am today. And I value privacy, and I just want something that’s, like, really real.”