Khloé Kardashian has faced a lot of criticism over the years, much of it based upon her appearance.
Now, she is fighting back in an Instagram post on Wednesday, April 7 that is getting massive support from celebrities including Ariana Grande, Katie Couric, Kimora Lee Simmons and family members Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and Kendall Jenner.
“In truth, the pressure, constant ridicule and judgment my entire life to be perfect and to meet other’s standards of how I should look has been too much to bear,” Khloé wrote. “‘Khloé is the fat sister.’ ‘Khloé is the ugly sister.’ ‘Her dad must not be her real dad because she looks so different.’ ‘The only way she could have lost that weight is from surgery.'”
But Kardashian, 36, says she used “hard work,” not surgery, to get into “the best shape of my life” that she shared in a nearly-nude mirror selfie Instagram video, as well as an Instagram Live of her dancing and showing off her abs, to prove she was not Photoshopped.
“For over a decade now in photos, every single flaw and imperfection has been micro-analyzed and made fun of to the smallest detail and I am reminded of them everyday by the world. And when I take that criticism to use as motivation to get myself into the best shape of my life and to even help others with the same struggles, I am told I couldn’t have done it through hard work and I must have paid for it all.”
Kardashian conceded that she has used Photoshop in the past, but compared it to wearing makeup.
“I love a good filter, good lighting and an edit here and there,” she wrote. “The same way I throw on some makeup, get my nails done, or wear a pair of heels to present myself to the world the way I want to be seen.”
In a message to the haters, Kardashian made it clear that online bullying is not acceptable.
“My body, my image and how I choose to look and what I want to share is my choice. It’s not for anyone to decide or judge what is acceptable or not anymore.”
Furthermore, Kardashian sent a message of support to others who feel pressured to live up to impossible standards.
“For those else who feel the constant pressure of not ever feeling perfect enough, I want you to know I see you and I understand,” she wrote. “Everyday I am told by my family and friends who love me I am beautiful but I know that it needs to be believed from within. We are all unique and perfect in our own way.”
She ended her post by championing the importance of self-acceptance and body positivity.
“I have realized that we cannot continue to live life trying to fit into the perfect mold of what others have set for us. Just do you and make sure your heart is happy.”