DINH DOONG

In recent years, a growing wave of criticism has emerged about Kris Jenner’s parenting approach, especially surrounding the alleged business-driven sacrifices made for her children’s fame. Many accuse Kris, the matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner empire, of orchestrating her daughters’ public personas to maximize profit, often at their personal expense.

These claims resurfaced after an interview in which Ray J, who co-starred in Kim Kardashian’s infamous adult tape, shared details suggesting Kris not only approved but also meticulously managed the release of the video that launched the family into stardom. The narrative he shared painted Kris as a “momager” who meticulously supervised the release for optimal public impact, igniting debates over the line between parental support and exploitation.

Rumors that Kris has influenced her children’s relationships for media attention and business ventures have persisted for years. Kylie Jenner’s teenage relationship with rapper Tyga has been one of the most controversial examples. Reportedly, Tyga began showing interest in Kylie when she was just 14, with the two being spotted together at Kendall Jenner’s Sweet 16 party.

Although Tyga was 22 at the time, their eventual relationship became public knowledge, with Black Chyna, Tyga’s ex and mother of his child, openly criticizing the situation. Chyna claimed she felt betrayed by the Kardashian family, especially since she and Kim Kardashian had been close friends. The public response highlighted the discomfort many felt over Kylie’s young age and Tyga’s influence, adding to the perception that Kris encouraged the relationship for visibility, despite potential harm to Kylie.

Further adding to this complicated family web, Kourtney Kardashian, the eldest sibling, has recently voiced her disapproval of Kris’s management. Kourtney has been vocal about the pressure Kris placed on her children to court fame and the damaging impact it may have on their personal lives.

In particular, she’s highlighted Kylie’s recent struggles, attributing part of her trauma to a pattern of being thrust into relationships with men of influence, allegedly with Kris’s encouragement. Kourtney’s accusations underscore a recurring concern among fans and critics who argue that Kris’s drive for fame and financial gain may have jeopardized her children’s well-being.

Over the years, fans have labeled Kris as a “momager” with an almost relentless focus on branding and marketing her family. This perception was only reinforced by the revelation that Kim’s adult video was allegedly planned as a publicity move.

Ray J disclosed a series of text messages and contracts that suggested Kris had been deeply involved in curating the video’s public release, going so far as to review multiple versions to decide which one would generate the most attention. Despite the Kardashians’ efforts to downplay these allegations, fans have questioned how far Kris might go to secure her family’s brand image and financial success.

The recent claims by Kourtney, alongside Black Chyna’s comments and Ray J’s disclosures, add layers of complexity to Kris Jenner’s role in her children’s lives. For some, she embodies the ultimate businesswoman, turning her family’s private lives into an empire. For others, her actions raise ethical questions about the boundaries of parental influence in the age of social media and celebrity culture. These recurring controversies beg the question: does Kris Jenner’s relentless pursuit of fame and wealth for her family come at too high a cost?