Kardashian arrives in Memphis
Kim Kardashian and Alice Marie Johnson, the Memphis woman she helped free from prison, met in person for the first time Wednesday.
Kardashian flew into Memphis on a private jet that arrived at Signature Flight Service on Winchester Road shortly after lunchtime.
She was whisked away and brought to Johnson’s sister’s home in Southaven. She arrived in an SUV about 1 p.m. As the reality star entered the house, a joyous scream was heard from inside the home.
Kardashian was instrumental in getting President Donald Trump to grant
clemency to the 63-year-old grandmother, who received a life sentence in 1996 for her role in a drug trafficking organization.
Neither Kardashian nor Johnson spoke to the media on Wednesday. Associates and relatives cited exclusive rights to NBC’s “Today” show for the lack of comment.
Kardashian and Johnson were interviewed by Hoda Kotb with the network’s morning news show.
The buzz of activity picked up on the two-lane DeSoto County road around mid-morning.
About 10 a.m., a satellite truck from the NBC station in Little Rock pulled into the long driveway of the large brick home.
Several of Johnson’s family members arrived and vehicles lined the driveway. Alice Johnson’s brother was among those who said he could not talk to the local media because of NBC’s rights to the meeting and interview.
As word spread that Kardashian was in town, a steady stream of cars slowed in front of the Southaven home to gawk or snap a quick picture.
Neighbor Willie Ann Smith said she got several calls from her neighbors wondering what was going on in their neighborhood.
“I didn’t know it was Kim Kardashian,” Smith said. “I heard about her helping the lady get out of prison and now she is meeting her. I think that is wonderful.”
Spectators joined media members waiting across the street from the house. The only real glimpse came as the caravan of SUVs left the driveway. Kotb did roll down her window and wave at the crowd as one person hollered, “Hoda, you’re awesome!”
Soon after, Kardashian left the house, pulling from the driveway and heading away on the two-lane road.