Kim Kardashian has once again found herself embroiled in controversy, this time in response to chaos during a panel discussion at the OMR Digital and Marketing trade fair in Hamburg. Kardashian's response drew intense scrutiny from online critics after a woman in the crowd began chanting “Free Palestine.”
In a moment captured on camera, the reality star, known for her influential platform and large social media following, responded to the interruption by saying, “Free everyone.” Palestinian supporters called this a 'two-sided approach', sparking a wave of condemnation and condemnation from internet users.
Kim Kardashian reacts to protesters chanting “Free Palestine” at the OMR Business Festival in Hamburg:
“Please release everyone.” pic.twitter.com/ujGBtdp8Fl
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 8, 2024
Online reactions ranged from accusations of ignorance and insensitivity to accusations of complicity in global oppression. Many have pointed out the stark contrast between Kim's response to Israel's occupation of Palestine and her past advocacy efforts, such as her vocal support for recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
One critic criticized the microblogging platform How stupid can you be? You are 43 years old. You know better. “Your father’s country is also experiencing this genocide, so you must oppose this genocide.”
Kim Kardashian's response to people shouting that Palestinian freedom is “free for all” How stupid can you be? You are 43 years old. You must oppose this genocide. Because your father’s country is also experiencing genocide. pic.twitter.com/dnupTVwjT9
— 𝑑𝑢𝑙🐾 (@dolchiie) May 7, 2024
Another user said, “I apologize because Kim Kardashian’s peace was broken while there was no peace for the Palestinian people.” “You choose to free everyone, but doesn’t that include the Palestinians who suffer every day while you sit in your mansion?”
I apologize to Kim Kardashian because her peace was broken while there was no peace for the Palestinian people. You chose to free everyone, but doesn't that include the Palestinians who suffer every day while you sit in your mansion? https://t.co/rtchy23nMG
— kyle ⋆ I saw an electronic watch!!! (@SRRYASILLEVRBE) May 8, 2024
The mogul's double standards did not sit well with many. “Mr. Kim, not everyone is experiencing genocide, murder, education, jobs, oppression, displacement. The Palestinian people are being erased. “You claim to have a passion for justice, but you do not appear to be opposed to Israel’s ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.”
Many X users launched attacks on Kim, calling for her silence on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Some have pointed out the hypocrisy of her “all lives matter” approach, arguing that it undermines the seriousness of the situation facing Palestinians.
“How can you be so ignorant and ignorant at the age of 43? And although everyone says she didn't say anything wrong, you know very well that she didn't mean to liberate Palestine, Congo, and Sudan. “Fuck Israel and Kim Kardashian!” I was so angry that I protested one of the posts.
How can you be so ignorant and ignorant at the age of 43? And even though people say she didn't say anything wrong, she didn't mean freedom for Palestine, Congo, or Sudan.
Fuck Israel and Kim Kardashian! https://t.co/XEPs99U2pD
— faiza ☪︎ gen v era 🩸 (@korysstar) May 8, 2024
The seemingly innocuous “All Lives Matter” has become a common refrain among far-right groups as a rebuttal to “Black Lives Matter.” Activists and scholars alike have jumped into the debate to highlight how the phrase reduces the discontent of black Americans.
In the same vein, one post read, “We are the new 'All Lives Matter,'” while another read, “Kim Kardashian rejects the term Free Palestine, decides 'All Lives Matter' and 'Liberate All' ‘Do it,’ he urged. “What if people had the same attitude when she spoke about the Armenian Genocide?”
Kim Kardashian rejects the phrase Free Palestine, decides “all lives matter” and says “liberate all.” What if people had the same attitude when she spoke about the Armenian Genocide? https://t.co/iB1rwhtv7N
— What (@cherrybeys) May 8, 2024
Others lamented the prioritization of celebrity culture over issues of global importance, with one commentator describing the past seven months as “scientific proof that celebrities have no soul and celebrity culture is trash.”
The past seven months have been scientific proof that celebrities have no soul and celebrity culture is trash https://t.co/OqlDh7pWtd
— Hurt Copaine (@SaeedDiCaprio) May 8, 2024
“Free Palestine. I'm so sick of these privileged millionaires. “It’s so stupid,” a disgruntled user X reprimanded Mr. Kim. “This way of thinking is incredibly dangerous. You can’t be neutral when it comes to genocide,” another pointed out.
To simplify the heated debate, one post humbly asked, “Can we stop swooning over millionaires as if they actually do something important for humanity?”
Can we just stop and pretend that millionaires actually do something important for humanity? https://t.co/bvoelAREJl
— កាងាង ⁷ ԴԶԸ ☁︎ rpwp girl ~ 🍉 -43 (@byNymphade) May 8, 2024
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