Kim Kardashian has divided viewers after telling her children it’s okay to be ‘scared’ of Tristan Thompson’s younger, disabled brother at his birthday party.
Canadian basketball star Tristan, 34, officially became 18-year-old Amari Thompson’s legal guardian last year after their mother, Andrea Thompson, died of a heart attack in January 2023.
Last summer, Tristan celebrated Amari’s 18th birthday at his Hidden Hills home in California, with his ex-girlfriend Khloé Kardashian, 40, her mum Kris Jenner, 69, and older sister Kim Kardashian, 44, in attendance.
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Amari, who has a severe form of epilepsy known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, was also joined on his special day by several of the Kardashian/Jenner children, including Penelope, 12, North, 11, Saint, eight, Chicago, seven, Stormi and True, both six, Psalm, five, Tatum, two, and others.
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The birthday party was covered on the latest episode of The Kardashians, causing controversy online.
During a piece-to-camera, Skims founder Kim admitted that the children have a ‘lot of questions’ when it comes to Amari’s disability, remarking they may ‘not be the most comfortable’ around him.
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“I think it’s so important that they play with him and they really get to know him,” she continued. “I love our kids growing up around him and helping him.”
At the 18th birthday bash, Kim asked Chicago if she was ‘scared’ of Amari.
“There’s no need to be,” she continued. “But it’s okay if you are.”
Kim’s comments have divided Instagram users, with one writing: “It’s not okay though … Why would you even say that! Scared of what?
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“That he’s going to hurt them or that they’ll end up like this? Educate them on why he’s in that state and how fortunate they are to be healthy. They need to learn…”
A second replied: “It’s OK that they’re not comfortable with it but at the same time they’re probably not exposed to people with disabilities. It takes time, patience and understanding.”
“It's not ok if they are scared I hate she said that,” a third user echoed.
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Meanwhile, someone else commented: “This is parenting! Teaching your kids to be good humans and look out for those most vulnerable in the world.”
“The best thing Kardashians have done on TV showing that beautiful boy and spreading awareness,” praised another. “Those kids will be better off and its ok they process than learn.”
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During The Kardashians episode, Khloé admitted that her and Tristan’s children True and Tatum are ‘much more exposed’ to Amari than some of the other Kardashian/Jenner clan.
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“True’s more concerned than frightened of Amari, but I do think it’s important for our kids and everyone’s kids to be exposed to all different types of people,” she said.
“Amari has never and will never be a burden or anything like that,” the Good American founder added. “Amari is one of the most special souls I have ever met.
“When you meet someone that’s so wonderful, and then something so terrible happens to them, you do want to help. You do want to fix it and be there as much as you can.”
The Kardashians is available to stream on Disney+, with new episodes landing every Thursday.
Topics: Celebrity, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, The Kardashians, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Disney Plus, Health
Ella Scott