Entertainment

How Social Media Ties Into Kim K's Robbery

In the days following the robbery of Kim Kardashian, more details have been revealed. And as this happens, the questions and speculation only continue to grow. As a refresher, the reality star was robbed at gunpoint on Sunday night in her Paris hotel room by men posing as police officers, her rep confirmed. They stole a reported $10 million in jewelry, in addition to other valuables. Now, CNN is reporting that Kardashian's frequent social media use made her a target. The Paris police department's chief spokesperson, Johanna Primevert, told CNN,

"It was really the celebrity who was targeted, with possessions that had been seen and noticed via social media, and it was these goods that the attackers targeted."

Primevert also said that tourists should not be fearful, because this is not common behavior in Paris. This only furthers the notion that Kardashian may have made herself a target by posting photos of expensive jewelry just a few days before the attack. While this explanation makes sense and comes from an expert source, that doesn't mean it's not disappointing that her own social media habits are being faulted for something done by robbers, who clearly deserve all of the responsibility for their horrifying actions.

Let's be wary of victim-blaming Kardashian — it's just not fair. While her pictures, like the one below, may have motivated robbers, that doesn't mean it's necessarily her fault. In other words, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star shouldn't have to hold back parts of her life, or who she is, just because it may provoke others to steal from her. People should have the self-control to look at something pretty or expensive, and not attack someone trying to get it for themselves.

Tying into these sentiments, People reported that a source close to the Kardashians said,

"Kim’s in shock and blaming herself. She’s tearing herself up that she Snapchatted the ring so much and wore it all the time. This incident is making her question everything. How she dresses, what she does."

If it's true that she's blaming herself, that's certainly sad to hear. She should be able to wear the jewelry she wants without fear of her life being endangered. Plus, it's all the more devastating that this incident may be spurring an internal crisis for the 35-year-old. Social media is a major part of Kardashian's personal brand, and she would only be letting the bad guys win if this causes her to hold back in the future. It's understandable if she needs a hiatus. But once things get more settled, I'll be rooting for Kim K to resume her unofficial throne as Queen of Instagram.