Kim Kardashian was “blindsided” by the backlash she received after advising women in business to “get your f–king ass up and work.”
“There’s just been so much going on because of that Variety interview,” Kardashian told sisters Khloé Kardashian and Kendall Jenner on the latest episode of “The Kardashians.”
“It’s like, I said what I said about people working. Do I believe in that? Yes. I believe that you have to work hard in order to to do that, but I was just so blindsided by how angry people got,” she explained.
She went on to note that she understood why people were “triggered” by her comment, telling her family she knows people weren’t given the same opportunities that they were.
While admitting they grew up privileged, the Skims founder, 41, said at one point Kris Jenner and ex Caitlyn Jenner had to sell their home and move into an apartment because they couldn’t afford it.
“Mom really started her career and making money at 50,” Kim continued, “So, it’s like growing up and seeing her hustle and seeing her get up every day with all these kids … that she had to take care of, I saw her work her ass off and figure it out … and that really inspired me to work.”
She also doubled down on her apology for the comments in the interview, which was published back in March.
“When I made that statement, it wasn’t a blanket statement to all women like as if I didn’t think women work hard or respect the work that they do because I see it every single day,” she said in a confessional. “The most important people in my life, that have shaped my life, shaped my career and helped me get to where I am today all are women, so I hated that that got misunderstood and for that I’m so sorry.”
Kardashian was criticized online for her response to the question, “What would be your advice for women in business?”
While Khloé initially answered the question advising to follow your passions, Kim, said, “I have the best advice for women in business, get your f–king ass up and work. Success is never easy, so if you put in the work, you will see results.”
Many people slammed the reality star, saying that her privilege afforded her the opportunities she’s been given.
Kim then went on “Good Morning America” to apologize and claimed the quote became a soundbite without context.
“I came off of the notion and the question right before, which was ‘after 20 years of being in the business, you’re famous for being famous’ and my whole tone and attitude changed with the previous question that went into that question about what advice would you give to women,” she said.
At the time, Variety reporter Elizabeth Wagmeister tweeted that she reviewed the raw footage and the question about “being famous for being famous” came after she asked for their advice to women.
Wagmeister’s tweet was backed up in this episode which shows her asking the question after Kim’s comments.
“The Kardashians” airs Thursdays on Hulu.