In a recent episode of The Kardashians, aired on April 3, 2025, Kim Kardashian opened up about her children’s reactions to Amari Thompson, a family member with a severe disability, sparking a heated debate online about sensitivity and disability awareness.
The episode centered on a birthday celebration for Amari, who has Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that leaves him wheelchair-bound, highlighting both the family’s efforts to embrace him and the challenges of fostering empathy in younger generations.
During a confessional segment, Kim addressed her children’s interactions with Amari, the younger brother of Tristan Thompson, Khloé Kardashian’s ex-boyfriend.
“They have a lot of questions and, at times, they might not be the most comfortable,”
she admitted, referring to her four children—North (11), Saint (9), Chicago (7), and Psalm (5). She emphasized the importance of these encounters, adding,
“I think it’s so important that they play with him and they really get to know him,”
reflecting her belief that exposure can build understanding and compassion.
The discussion unfolded during Amari’s 18th birthday party at Khloé’s home. Kim was seen encouraging her daughter Chicago and another child, saying,
“Are you girls a little bit scared? There’s no need to be. You know? But it’s OK if you are,”
aiming to normalize their feelings while gently guiding them. Her son Saint also participated, warmly wishing Amari a “happy birthday,” which Khloé praised as a sign of the family’s inclusive spirit.
Amari, who became Tristan’s legal guardian after their mother’s death in January 2023, has been a focal point of the family’s support system. Khloé plays a significant role in his care despite her past with Tristan.
The birthday party brought together Kim’s children and other cousins, including Penelope, Stormi, and True, showcasing a blended family dynamic. However, the celebration took an emotional turn when Amari suffered a seizure in the backyard, leaving Kris Jenner, the family matriarch, in tears. “Today was rough,” Kris confessed, while Khloé reflected,
“When you meet someone that’s so wonderful, and then something so terrible happens to them, you do want to help. You do want to fix it and be there as much as you can.”
Khloé, who organized the event, underscored her unwavering commitment, stating,
“Amari has never and will never be a burden.”
The poignant moment highlighted the family’s dedication to supporting Amari through his health struggles, even as it exposed their raw challenges.
Kim’s candid remarks have ignited a firestorm of online reactions. Some viewers criticized her for suggesting it’s “okay” if her children are scared, with one X post questioning,
“It’s not okay though … Why would you even say that! Scared of what?”
Others took issue with the decision to air such personal moments, asking,
“Why is this filmed for the world?”
The backlash reflects concerns about sensitivity and the potential exploitation of Amari’s condition for television.
On the flip side, supporters defended Kim’s approach, arguing that children’s discomfort around disabilities is a natural response that requires guidance. A comment on Lipstick Alley noted,
“I mean most younger kids don’t [understand] as a teacher I see this all the time, you gotta teach empathy,”
suggesting that Kim’s efforts align with a broader need to educate young minds. The divide underscores a tension between public perception and the realities of raising children in a high-profile family.
The controversy surrounding Kim’s comments highlights ongoing societal challenges in fostering disability awareness. By integrating Amari into family events and sharing these moments on The Kardashians, the family aims to normalize such interactions. Yet, the mixed reactions suggest a need for more transparent communication and education.
Critics argue that Kim could have focused more on explaining Amari’s condition to her children rather than framing their fear as acceptable. At the same time, supporters see her transparency as a step toward breaking down stigma.
