This TikTok About Khloe Kardashian’s Body Transformation Perfectly Nails Why Fatphobia Is So Toxic
To say that the Kardashians influence culture is an understatement. While some might point to this wealthy reality TV family and scream about how they’re “famous for nothing,” there’s no denying that they’ve pervaded culture so completely. When Kim Kardashian showed off her outrageously curvy figure, everyone clamored to squat racks and laxative teas to try to emulate the look. And now that she’s lately stepped out with a slimmer figure, eschewing the BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) that’s she’s been known for, now everyone’s changed their tune and wants a teeny tiny frame.
Kim isn’t the only one, though. Khloe, youngest of the main Kardashian trio, has been criticized lately for how “heroin chic” her body transformation has become. This isn’t the Khloe we remember. And the star isn’t exactly keeping her opinions on fatness to herself either. A recent TikTok responded to some of the garbage takes Khloe’s said about plus size folks–and how maybe we should cut her a bit of slack. (Maybe.)
The TikTok starts with a clip from a 2019 interview where Khloe criticizes the lifestyle that in her eyes is making people fat. In the clip, Khloe says:
I don’t understand people who are like, eating a bucket of like, Häagen-Dazs ice cream and are like, ‘I’m so fat.’ And like, they won’t work out, they won’t change their diet, they won’t drink more water, they won’t whatever. But they’re complaining, complaining, complaining. I’m like, well, you’re always going to be in this victimized state […]You’re not being self-aware. You’re not even looking at your own reflection saying ‘okay, what can I do to change things about myself?’
Khloe Kardashian, On Purpose Podcast
For most people who have struggled with their weight, this is an unwanted hot take. Ever since this interview, it’s been brought up regularly to highlight just how out-of-touch Khloe has become from the fat experience. (And it’s oddly reminscent of Kim’s interview about how “nobody wants to work.”)
But rather than roasting Khloe into oblivion, much like the rest of the world, TikToker @jennasontiktok has an interesting and though-provoking take on Khloe’s opinions–and how we should be treating her in response.
See, for years, from the very start of Keeping Up With the Kardashians in 2007, Khloe was the sister who was constantly criticized for her weight. She heard it from fans, the media, and even her family. In her TikTok, @jennasontiktok shares a clip from the early days of the show where Khloe receives a phone call from mom Kris telling her that she basically needs to stop being so fat because it hurts the entire family’s image. It’s horrifying–something that would clearly have an effect on anyone. “It’s a no-brainer that Khloe has gotten the highest and cruelest level of scrutiny of any of her sisters for her looks and for her weight for about a decade,” says Jenna. She also brings up that, at Khloe’s heaviest, she was a size 8. A size 8. Let that sink in.
Jenna says we should give Khloe some empathy, and I think she’s on to something. During Britney Spears’ public conservatorship trial in the past few years, there’s been so much more discourse on how we, the public, talk about female celebrities. Talking about how crazy or fat they are has had lasting impacts on them, which would then come as no surprise that Khloe has done a complete 180. It’s what we all wanted from her, right? A skinny woman with skinny woman opinions.
When it comes to Khloe and Britney and Jessica Simpson, perhaps giving empathy is the right choice. In helps in understanding just where Khloe’s garbage opinion of 2019 was coming from. It shouldn’t be excused, but it can at least be understood.
If you want to watch Jenna’s take or the Khloe clips we just discussed, check out her TikTok below.