Belfast Telegraph

Kardashian’s comments on weight loss are blasted by DUP MP

- BY ELIZABETH ARNOLD

A DUP MP has hit out at reality TV star Kim Kardashian, saying society is fixated on “skinny living”.

Jim Shannon raised concerns over the impact on young people of stars such as Kim Kardashian commenting about her weight loss.

Speaking during a Westminste­r Hall debate on reducing stigma around eating disorders, Mr Shannon appeared to refer to a video exchange posted earlier this year between the star and her sisters about her appearance.

The Strangford MP said: “Comments on such programmes as an example Keeping Up with the Kardashian­s — now I have to say that I don’t watch it and I couldn’t tell you who they are, or where they’re from or anything about them, but I tell you what my parliament­ary aide, she won’t mind me saying, (much) to her shame watches it — where in fixation on looking skinny and even in one clip being called anorexic as a compliment must be addressed.

“Now in fairness the apology from the Kardashian­s is wonderful and they are to be commended for realising that these comments came across in a nonhealthy way.

“But the fact is that the words said cannot be withdrawn and young women wanting to be more like the Kardashian­s who seem to have it all are impacted.”

Mr Shannon said social media had “a lot to answer for”, adding: “It does set a trend, peer pressure.”

In a series of Instagram videos in July, Kim (37) is seen spending time with sisters Khloe (34) and Kendall Jenner (22), both of whom comment on her body shape and size.

“I’m really concerned, I don’t think you’re eating,” Kendall says to Kim while smiling. “You look so skinny.”

Kim can be heard squealing with delight at the remark. “Oh my god, thank you!” she exclaims.

In the videos, Kim is seen asking her sisters to “tell [her] more” about how slim she is.

Khloe says that despite her sister’s “voluptuous” curves, she thinks Kim is “anorexic” at her waist and arms.

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