Why is Kim Kardashian naked on my news feed again? You've probably wondered this over the last few days.
Surely, everyone has seen (or at least heard about) the nude selfie Kim posted on twitter and instagram.
As expected, there were mixed reactions to Kim's 'gutsy' move.
There were those who applauded her empowered post, proving it's ultimately her choice what to do with her body, which Kim claims was her intent all along.
However, there was a certain amount of backlash not only from random followers but from her fellow celebrities like young star Chloe Moretz who tweeted Kim, saying: “I truly hope you realize how important setting goals are for young women, teaching them we have so much more to offer than just our bodies."
Kim Kadarshian responds to backlash
In response to Chloe and other "haters", Kim posted an essay on her website wherein she not only fires back at her critics but stresses the intent of her controversial nude selfie was, first and foremost, female empowerment.
"Hey, guys. I wanted to write a post elaborating on my tweets last night," the essay begins. "In all seriousness, I never understand why people get so bothered by what other people choose to do with their lives. I don’t do drugs, I hardly drink, I’ve never committed a crime—and yet I’m a bad role model for being proud of my body?”
Further in the essay, Kim reveals that she believes that the public's persistent negative perception of can be traced back to 2007, when her sex tape with ex Ray J was leaked.
She believes everyone should move on from this because she surely has.
“I lived through the embarrassment and fear, and decided to say who cares, do better, move on. I shouldn’t have to constantly be on the defense, listing off my accomplishments just to prove that I am more than something that happened 13 years ago. Let’s move on, already,” urges Kim. “I have.”
"I am empowered by my body...by showing the world my flaws."
More than merely defending herself, however, the 35-year-old mother of two takes time to emphasize the need to promote female empowerment across the world.
“I am empowered by my body. And I am empowered by my sexuality. I am empowered by feeling comfortable in my skin,” an impassioned Kim wrote. “I am empowered by showing the world my flaws and not being afraid of what anyone is going to say about me. And I hope that through this platform I have been given, I can encourage the same empowerment for girls and women all over the world."
"I am empowered by my husband"
"I am empowered by my husband, who is so accepting and supportive and who has given me a newfound confidence in myself,” Kim continued. “He allows me to be me and loves me unconditionally.”
In keeping with the theme of International Women's day, Kim also took time to express her gratitude to the strong female role models in her life.
“I feel so lucky to have grown up surrounded by strong, driven, independent women,” wrote Kim. “The life lessons I’ve learned from my sisters, my mother and my grandmother, I will pass along to my daughter. I want her to be proud of who she is. I want her to be comfortable in her body. And I don’t want her to grow up in a world where she is made to feel less-than for embracing everything it means to be a woman.”
Kim ends the essay with a plea for an end to the "slut-shaming".
“I will not live my life dictated by the issues you have with my sexuality. You be you and let me be me," she wrote. “I am a mother. I am a wife, a sister, a daughter, an entrepreneur and I am allowed to be sexy #happyinternationalwomensday.”
LOOK: Blogger shares ‘saggy body selfies’ to empower other mums
If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below.
