Kim Kardashian Responds to Backlash Over Elephant Leather Birkin Bag
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Kim Kardashian found herself at the center of a heated controversy after images surfaced showing her with what appeared to be an elephant leather Birkin bag, sparking widespread criticism from animal rights advocates and the public alike. The bag was featured prominently in her Hulu series All’s Fair and in a Vogue Hong Kong interview, where Kardashian was photographed with the rare accessory.
The handbag, which according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) dates back to the 1980s, is believed to have been crafted from the skin of an elephant that was fatally shot on a safari. The bags were never officially sold by Hermès and are considered extremely rare today. The revelation ignited a firestorm of condemnation on social media, with commenters decrying the use of elephant skin as “disgusting,” “disturbing,” and a disrespect to the majestic creatures.
Among the critics was Ireland Baldwin, daughter of Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, who publicly called the display “disgusting and shameful” on her Instagram story. The backlash intensified as the images were reposted by a luxury goods consignment store, drawing further outrage from animal rights supporters.
In response, Kardashian addressed the controversy on the “Khloé in Wonderland” podcast, clarifying that the bag was actually a prop used on the set of All’s Fair. She explained that while she brought many of her own handbags to the filming, the production also provided additional bags for the wardrobe department to use as needed. Kardashian pointed out that the bag in question had upside-down hardware, indicating it was a fake.
“I brought a lot of my bags in to film All’s Fair as accessories, but then we just got a bunch of other ones that we would have and leave on set that we could leave there and grab if we ever needed one for a specific outfit,” Kardashian said. She emphasized her commitment to animal rights, noting her preference for faux fur and vintage items, a stance she credits to longtime family friend and animal rights advocate Ellen DeGeneres.
Despite the clarification, Kardashian expressed regret over the situation. “What I was so annoyed with myself about is just that message that the elephant Birkin is okay because people didn’t know if it was real or fake,” she said. “So even just putting that out there, I wish I was a little bit smarter on that and made a better choice on that.”
The controversy highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the use of exotic animal skins in fashion, an issue closely monitored by organizations such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which regulates the trade in wildlife products to prevent illegal trafficking and protect endangered species. The public reaction also reflects a broader shift in consumer attitudes toward ethical fashion and animal welfare.
Kim Kardashian’s acknowledgment of the misstep and her commitment to making more informed choices in the future may serve as a reminder of the responsibilities public figures bear when it comes to influencing cultural norms and values. For now, the episode remains a cautionary tale about the complexities of celebrity fashion and the importance of transparency.
Listeners can hear Kardashian’s full remarks on the “Khloé in Wonderland” podcast, available on major streaming platforms, starting around the 43:30 mark.
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