Kim Kardashian says she intends to rename the shapewear brand she launched last month after people accused her of appropriating Japanese culture.
The 38-year-old announced the launch of her newest venture on a dedicated Instagram account at the end of June, and was immediately met with backlash online – with #KimOhNo trending on Twitter hours later.
Now, Kim has Tweeted to announce that she plans to rethink the range.
“I am always listening, learning and growing – I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me,” she wrote. “When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind.
“My brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core and after careful thought and consideration, I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name.
“I will be in touch soon. Thank you for your understanding and support always.”
My brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core and after careful thought and consideration, I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name. I will be in touch soon. Thank you for your understanding and support always.
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) July 1, 2019
Kim initially defended the name in The New York Times, saying she wouldn’t change it – despite Twitter calling her “ignorant” and in need of a “cultural advisor” given the significance of kimonos as a traditional form of Japanese dress.
But she has since backtracked, writing: “Being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve been blessed with in my life. What’s made it possible for me after all of these years has been the direct line of communication with my fans and the public.”