Kim Kardashian is receiving backlash for producing Skims shapewear in Turkey

27 September 2019, 13:24

By Jazmin Duribe

"Kim, you claim to have pride in your culture but choose to support the economy of those who slaughtered over millions of innocent people...shame on you."


Kim Kardashian has just launched Skims Solutionwear, her new line of shape wear that made her millions of dollars in a matter of minutes. Although launching the business wasn't without its challenges (see: the whole Kimono cultural appropriation drama) she's already expanding her line to include underwear and even waist trainers.

READ MORE: Kim Kardashian urged to pay fan who came up with the name of her shapewear line Skims

However, the controversy isn't over for Kimmie just yet. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star is being criticised by her fans and an Armenian-American advocacy group for making Skims products in Turkey, considering the painful history between the two countries.

In case you didn't know, the Armenian Genocide was the systematic killing of 700,000 to 1.5 million Armenians in what is now Turkey from 1914–1923. Turkey has always denied that genocide is an accurate term for the deaths, but they do admit that Armenians were killed.

READ MORE: Kim Kardashian's new shapewear line earned her millions within minutes

Kim, who is half Armenian through her late father Robert Kardashian, has been vocal in her support of Armenia and has called on the US government to recognise the Armenian Genocide in the past.

However, considering the history between the two countries, Kim's fans were surprised that she would be so willing to boost Turkey's economy.

Kim was then called out by the Armenian National Committee of America on Twitter.

"Dear @KimKardashian. Thank you for championing #Armenian #Genocide recognition & raising so much global awareness about #Armenia," they tweeted. "We saw that you are making some @skims products in Turkey. Please consider making them in Armenia which is known for great craftsmanship & service."

Kim addressed the backlash and responded to the comment on Twitter.

She said: "Thank you @anca_dc for your concerns & support. When I first began dreaming of owning my own shapewear company, I knew I wanted every piece to be made the best way possible; from the finest materials; starting from design stage through to creation, testing, innovation & fit.

"We consulted with experts and searched globally for the best in class options, some which was found in Turkey. We believe strongly against discrimination of any kind; against anyone or any nation based on the past.

"As a brand, we believe in embracing all people and as an individual I have been working towards broader goals in hopes of bringing forward the recognition of the Armenian genocide which I remain very passionate about.

"I will be visiting Armenia in the next 2 weeks and hope to seek ways I can help increase trade and hopefully create jobs for Armenians which includes @skims production there in the future."

She continued: "I am a strong believer that in order for change to happen, you must be willing to work with all people, even when you have differences in political opinions."

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