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The latest premiere of The Kardashians detailed Kim Kardashian's divorce from Kanye West, revealing she suffered from "Stockholm syndrome" during the marriage and experienced a return of her psoriasis due to intense stress.
The mother of four, now 45, publicly fought back against kidnapping claims over their children, asserting that despite their $200,000 monthly child support agreement, West has not consistently contacted their four kids.
Kardashian emphasized her sole focus is protecting North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm from their father's erratic public behavior.
The celebrity businesswoman revealed the toxic environment of her marriage had a significant physical impact, highlighting the intense stress she experienced throughout the relationship. She detailed the return of a chronic skin condition she thought was finally gone.
A candid close-up shot of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West during their relationship, often shared on social media.
“I haven’t had psoriasis since I got divorced, and it just started coming back,” she emotionally confessed, linking her flare-up directly to the pressures of dealing with West's "erratic behaviour."
This admission paints a vivid, human picture of the hidden cost behind the public spectacle of her life with the controversial artist.
Her primary focus, she stressed, is shielding their children—North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm—from the ongoing public turbulence.
“My poor kids… everyone around can handle it, but like, protect my babies,” she insisted, underscoring her commitment to prioritizing her role as a mother above all else. This deep-seated maternal instinct was the ultimate breaking point.
Kim Kardashian forcefully addressed the damaging, sensationalised rumours circulating across social media platforms that she is unilaterally withholding the children from their father. She countered this "misinformation" by laying bare a far more confusing and painful private reality.
“It's very confusing because it'll be all this talk on the internet of like, ‘I’m keeping the kids.’ He’s never once called and asked to see them,” Kardashian stated.
Her clear refutation aims to dismantle the false narrative that their separation is rooted in criminal law, reminding observers that the situation remains strictly a matter of civil family law.
The dramatic difference between the online noise and the absence of contact is a central point in their ongoing co-parenting struggle.
Despite the constant public feuding, the former couple’s November 2022 divorce settlement mandates joint legal and physical custody.
However, sources recently indicated that Kardashian may be considering seeking sole legal custody amidst West's escalating, unpredictable behaviour and reports that he has been including their eldest daughter, North, in controversial social media stunts.
The highly public nature of this split continues to put a spotlight on the inherent challenges of joint custody when one parent exhibits unstable conduct.
“When one party in a high-net-worth divorce consistently creates a hostile or unpredictable environment, the concept of joint custody becomes intensely complicated,” explains Jacqueline Newman, a managing partner at a leading New York divorce law firm.
“A court's focus is always the best interest of the child, and a parent's prolonged, voluntary absence or public hostility toward the co-parent can certainly be documented as evidence to support a motion for a modification of the standing custody order.”
Newman's quote reinforces the fact that while the settlement grants equal custody, the execution of the parenting plan must remain consistent with the children's well-being and safety.
It also highlights the power of court-ordered mediation as a requirement in the former couple's divorce decree to resolve disputes before they end up in front of a judge.
Kardashian also touched upon her feelings of being emotionally and financially unsafe during the final stages of her marriage, citing moments when West would impulsively give away luxury cars during episodes.
The finalised divorce settlement provided financial stability for the children, however, obligating West to pay Kardashian a massive $200,000 per month in child support.
This staggering figure covers the children’s accustomed lifestyle, including private school tuition and security costs. The division of their vast, complex assets was largely governed by their prenuptial agreement, which thankfully allowed them to avoid a drawn-out battle over property rights.
By opening up about her feeling of being caught in "Stockholm syndrome" and her realisation that she had to "save myself" to become a better mother, Kim Kardashian has recast the narrative of her divorce from a simple split to a harrowing story of emotional survival and fierce parental protection.
What does Kim Kardashian mean by having “Stockholm syndrome” in her marriage?
Kim Kardashian used the term “Stockholm syndrome” metaphorically to describe how she felt trapped yet sympathetic toward Kanye West during their marriage. In psychology, the term refers to victims developing emotional bonds with their captors. Kardashian implied she felt emotionally compelled to protect and help her ex despite ongoing turmoil.
Does Kanye West have custody rights to his children with Kim Kardashian?
Yes. According to their 2022 divorce settlement, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West share joint legal and physical custody of their four children—North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm. However, reports suggest West has had inconsistent visitation and contact, raising questions about the practical enforcement of that arrangement.
Can Kim Kardashian seek sole custody under U.S. family law?
Under U.S. state family law, a parent may seek modification of a custody order if there’s a substantial change in circumstances affecting the children’s welfare. If Kardashian can demonstrate that West’s behavior endangers or destabilizes their children, a court could consider a shift to sole legal or physical custody.
How does California’s “no-fault” divorce law apply to celebrity cases like Kim Kardashian’s?
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning either spouse can file for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences” without proving misconduct. This legal framework allows celebrities like Kardashian to dissolve a marriage without assigning blame publicly, while financial and custody issues are settled separately under state law.
What legal protections exist for children in high-conflict celebrity divorces?
Courts prioritize the “best interests of the child,” assessing factors such as emotional safety, parental stability, and continuity. In high-profile divorces, judges may implement confidentiality orders, appoint guardians ad litem, or mandate court-ordered mediation to protect children from media exposure and parental conflict.
