THE Kardashians’ brand and business promotions have routinely garnered backlash from fans.
From Kylie Jenner “cosplaying poor” to Kourtney Kardashian “lying” about her shopping habits, Kardashian fans aren’t shy about letting the famous family know when their advertisements miss the mark.
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Here are the Kardashian family ads that were rejected and ridiculed by fans after their release.
COSPLAYING POOR
Last month, Kylie, 26, upset fans with the concept of her new Sprinter campaign.
Kylie launched the canned vodka soda in March and in an Instagram post, The Kardashians star shared snapshots from her latest shoot.
The Kylie Cosmetics founder wore a silver metallic bra under a sleeveless white tank bodysuit with her dark hair rolled into jumbo curlers.
She crossed her bare legs while kneeling beside an open suitcase filled with Sprinter cans.
The nearby fan blew air in Kylie’s direction as she pressed a cold can against her neck.
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“All I need for the weekend,” she captioned the post.
In a Kardashian-dedicated online board, critics slammed the visuals of the star’s ad campaign.
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“This would’ve been 10 times better by a pool with cute umbrellas. I don’t understand the art direction for her recent campaigns,” one person ranted at the time.
“Is there a direction here? I would never assume she’s trying to sell me an alcoholic beverage here,” another commenter slammed.
Kylie Jenner fans accuse star of ‘cosplaying poor’ as they call out her ‘art direction’ for new Sprinter campaign
“The photo shoots for her brands never get the vibe 100 percent down somehow,” a third critic blasted.
“This ad could be a woman be at a park with her children instead of cosplaying poor,” a fourth person scolded.
Earlier this year, critics slammed Kourtney, 45, for promoting her Lemme brand at Target as many didn’t believe she shopped at the store.
The Poosh founder celebrated her partnership with the popular retailer on Instagram.
A Quick Look at Kim’s Business Empire
SKIMS is just one part of Kim Kardashian’s multi-million dollar business empire. The reality TV star makes money from a multitude of jobs.
The Kardashians on Hulu – 2022 to present
SKIMS – an underwear, loungewear and shapewear brand founded in June 2019
SKKN – skincare and makeup line
Kim has also acted on American Horror Story, received endorsements from numerous companies, and more making her net worth a little above $1 billion
In the photo collection, the Hulu star donned a fur coat and covered her eyes with black sunglasses while carrying a handful of Lemme bottles.
As the collection continued, the Lemme founder posed next to the brand display in one of the store’s aisles.
She carried a Target store basket while strutting around in black high heels.
In the final snapshot, Kourtney was shown walking out of the store with a Target bag.
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“It was on our vision board for what I wanted for this little company before we ever launched… such a pinch-me-dream come true moment,” she captioned the post.
In the comments, critics slammed the star’s ad, claiming the multimillionaire doesn’t shop at Target.
“Girl, don’t act like you go to Target,” a user raged.
“Kourtney’s worth 65 million,” another slammed before adding, “I don’t think so. You don’t shop at Target.”
“Cringe. Like Kourtney would ever set foot in a Target willingly,” a third remarked.
“You are out of touch. Please figure out a marketing concept for once,” suggested another.
TONE DEAF
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In 2017, Pepsi hoped to piggyback on the profile of movements like Black Lives Matter and the Women’s March with a mega-budget ad starring Kendall Jenner, 28.
In the commercial, Kendall – playing herself or a version of herself -notices a protest in progress on the street outside her studio that threatens to turn into a riot under the threat of police retaliation.
The star is shown removing a blonde wig to reveal her natural dark locks as she walks into the mob.
As she maneuvers through the throng of protestors, The 818 Tequila founder picks up a Pepsi while flashing a flirty look at a musician and bumping fists with a person of color.
She then exits the crowd to give the cold beverage to an on-patrol cop.
The act of kindness seemingly ends the standoff as Kendal returns to the cheering protestors and the police exchange “aw shucks” smiles.
The ad backfired in spectacular fashion.
Pepsi was ridiculed for using real social struggles to promote its soda.
The three-minute ad, which was aiming for something closer to the iconic 1971 I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke ad, was called “tasteless,” “tone deaf,” and “insulting.”
Bernice King, daughter of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., sarcastically tweeted, “If only Daddy would have known about the power of Pepsi.”
The ad was even parodied on Saturday Night Live.
Within 24 hours, Pepsi had pulled the ad and quickly followed up with an apology.
“Pepsi was trying to project a global message of unity, peace, and understanding. Clearly, we missed the mark and we apologize,” reps of the soft drink company said.
“We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. We are removing the content. We also apologize for putting Kendall Jenner in this position,” they added.
If only Daddy would have known about the power of Pepsi
Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.
Kendall was left heartbroken by the fan backlash and briefly retreated from the limelight as she came to terms with the shocking outcome.
She spoke about the ad and its reception on an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
“I just felt so f**king stupid,” the model stated at the time.
“The fact that I would offend other people or hurt other people was definitely not the intent.”
“I would never purposely hurt someone, ever,” Kendall added.
MISSED OPPORTUNITY
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In March, Kim Kardashian’s Skims menswear promotion received backlash for its “missed opportunity” to support Women’s History Month.
The American Horror Story star posted the ad on the shapewear brand’s Instagram account.
Coined “SKIMS March All Stars,” the campaign featured a line-up of male college basketball stars showcasing Skims’ new menswear collection.
The models included Duke Blue Devils’ player Jared McCain, Kentucky Wildcats’ point guard Robert Dillingham, and the Kansas Jayhawks’s center Hunter Dickinson.
The fact that I would offend other people or hurt other people was definitely not the intent
Kendall Jenner
The Skims post was captioned, “An unbeatable roster of college basketball players own the court in Mens Terry, dropping Thursday, March 21 at 9AM PT / 12PM ET.”
In the comment section, however, fans expressed frustration with Kim, 42, that the campaign didn’t include any female college basketball stars as March is Women’s History Month.
“Should [have] been the women’s all stars,” commented one critic.
“Marketing person—Fired. Should have had the girls instead. Everyone knows the girl ballers. Sorry boys,” mentioned another.
“Kim, please do women’s NCAA too,” begged a third.
“This was such a missed opportunity to highlight women’s basketball and during Women’s History Month,” a fan shared.
OUT OF TOUCH
In 2020, Khloe Kardashian, 39, garnered backlash from fans after she promoted her luxury denim line Good American while many struggled with health and finances amid the coronavirus crisis.
The reality TV star advertised a sale for the clothing company she co-founded in 2016 where most pieces retail for over $150.
Khloe modeled a $130 wrap shirt on top of a white curve-hugging dress that was priced at $180.
The Los Angeles native rocked a $160 pair of the company’s best-selling skinny jeans in another look.
Alongside the promo shots, the mom-of-two wrote, “For a limited time you can shop 30% off my favorite styles on Good American!”
“Everything’s different now. So we changed our prices because you deserve a little something extra,” Khloe added.
Despite the discount, many fans scoffed at the hefty price tag – especially during a global pandemic.
Alongside a gif of sister Kourtney famously saying “Kim, there’s people that are dying,” one fan tweeted, “Most of us aren’t surviving right now Khloe.
“I know revenue is probably down for your company and that’s awful but… Not any ill will towards you by any means but can you possibly raise awareness for those that need it most?”
“It’s still too much… seriously right now is not the time to advertise your ‘sales’ most people don’t have money for jeans right now….” an offended fan wrote with an angry face emoji.
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