Kim Kardashian Addresses Backlash Over Trademarking 'Kimono'

Kim Kardashian is speaking out after facing some major backlash over trademarking the name of her new shapewear line.

After announcing her new line called Kimono, the 38-year-old reality star was slammed by people online, accusing her of cultural appropriation and found it disrespectful that she used the term “kimono” in connection to images of women in their undergarments.

Kim has now released a statement to The New York Times, saying that she used the name “Kimono” as a nod to the traditional Japanese robe.

“I understand and have deep respect for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture and have no plans to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonor the traditional garment,” Kim says in her statement. “I made the decision to name my company Kimono, not to disassociate the word from its Japanese roots but as a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment. Filing a trademark is a source identifier that will allow me to use the word for my shapewear and intimates line but does not preclude or restrict anyone, in this instance, from making kimonos or using the word kimono in reference to the traditional garment. My solutionwear brand is built with inclusivity and diversity at its core and I’m incredibly proud of what’s to come.”