Kim Kardashian clarifies controversial ‘work’ comments after backlash

Kim Kardashian claims her viral quote advising women in business to “get your f–king ass up and work” was taken out of context.

“Well, that statement that I said was without questions and conversation around it. It became a sound bite, really with no context,” Kardashian, 41, told “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts on Friday.

Kardashian explained that in the viral Variety video, she was responding to the question and notion that she’s been in the business for 20 years yet she is still thought of as “being famous for being famous.”

“It wasn’t a blanket statement towards women or to feel like I don’t respect the work or think that they don’t work hard,” she clarified. “I know that they do. It was taken out of context, but I’m really sorry if it was received that way.”

The Skims founder said that she was trying to convey that it takes more than just being on a reality show to launch a successful career and that it takes “hard work.”

“My whole tone and attitude changed with the previous question that went into that question about what advice would you give to women,” Kardashian said. “And the advice that I would give is just that having a social media presence and being on a reality show, does not mean overnight success.

“You have to really work hard to get there, even if it might seem like it’s easy. And that you can build a really successful business off of social media and you can, if you put in a lot of hard work.”

Kardashian made the controversial comments during a February interview with Variety alongside sisters Khloe Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian and mom Kris Jenner.

“I have the best advice for women in business,” Kim had said in the now-viral clip. “Get your f–king ass up and work. It seems like nobody wants to work these days.” 

Her words were immediately met with backlash, with several critics calling out the KKW Beauty Founder for being insensitive towards working women.

Several people argued that Kim’s comments were tone-deaf – considering she was born into an already charmed life.

 “Also: be born rich. Really helps,” journalist Soledad O’Brien tweeted.

Actress Jameela Jamil agreed, tweeting, “I think if you grew up in Beverly Hills with super successful parents in what was simply a smaller mansion… nobody needs to hear your thoughts on success/work ethic. This same 24 hours in the day s–t is a nightmare. 99.9% of the world grew up with a VERY different 24 hours.”

Kim was even dragged for her words during the 2022 Oscars on Sunday, when co-host Regina Hall told Judi Dench, “Dame Judi Dench… we have an inspirational quote for you… A quote from Kim Kardashian: work harder.”