Kim Kardashian prompted backlash and was accused of being tone-deaf for an office tour video in which she showed off her tanning beds, which dermatologists have linked to skin cancer.
The Skims founder recently jumped on the “Of course” celebrity TikTok trend featuring a tour of her over-the-top office amenities, starting with a hallway of framed magazine cover photos of her in publications like Vogue and Harper’s BAZAAR.
“I'm Kim Kardashian. Of course I have all my magazine covers covering my walls,” she said before strutting down the hall.
Her office included a custom mannequin with her exact measurements prominently on display in her "glam room," and an LED wall playing several of her beauty campaigns on a loop because "of course" she does, says the SKKN cosmetics CEO.
Next, she showed off her desk, adorned with two peculiar decorative pieces, which she explained:
“I’m Kim Kardashian. Of course I have 3D models of my brain and my plane in my office."
The controversial moment arrived when she moved from one tanning bed to another and playfully boasted:
“I’m Kim Kardashian. Of course I have a tanning bed―and a red light bed―in my office.”
The clip, which doubled as an advert for a new lip liner, can be seen below.
Concerned commenters objected to the video being interpreted as promoting indoor tanning.
The practice of using tanning beds, which emit ultraviolet radiation that darkens skin, is known for increasing the risk of skin cancers like melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
In response to an Allure magazine article titled, “Please, Kim Kardashian, Don’t Try to Normalize Tanning Beds,” the influential businesswoman defended herself and explained:
“I have psoriasis and it really helps when it’s bad."
She added:
“But I don’t use it too often.”
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes affected patients to experience patches of abnormal skin.
Symptoms can be improved through sun exposure, but those who feel embarrassed exposing their condition in public can opt to use tanning beds.
While "tanning isn’t considered a traditional psoriasis treatment option," according to Healthline, the publication noted light therapy is one of the treatment plans doctors suggest.
"Light therapy somewhat mimics the benefits of sun exposure on psoriasis skin," said the article, adding, "It uses ultraviolet rays under doctor supervision to help improve psoriasis."
Kardashian's response sparked a debate between those who objected to tanning beds entirely and those who defended Kardashian's reason for using them.
you don’t gotta explain yourself to them. your body, your choice.
— ladidai 📲 gems in link in bio (@ladidaix) January 19, 2024
@KimKardashian I know you won\xe2\x80\x99t see this, but I would like to say that my audience, and I fully support you. Most dermatologists have tanning beds in their offices, which are mostly UVB rays, especially for things like psoriasis. I\xe2\x80\x99ve gifted many to families, including those with special needs\xe2\x80\xa6— (@)
Family Doctor noted that indoor tanning is not safer than suntanning, contrary to the common myth.
The website added:
"According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the majority of melanomas (the worst form of skin cancer) are estimated to be caused by UV exposure."
@jaketapoer/Bluesky
@BillAckman/Twitter