Kim Kardashian West Insists She Divorced Kanye “For His Personality”
The mega-influencer's 'SNL' monologue was unexpectedly savage—and hilarious.
When it was announced that Kim Kardashian West would be hosting Saturday Night Live this season, it’s probably fair to assume that many people had fairly low expectations. After all, the family’s long-running TV show featured some spectacularly hackneyed line reads and that was allegedly reality. But something to remember about Kim is that she is used to people’s low expectations of her—and has become a true pro when it comes to flipping those expectations upside-down. Never underestimate Kim, that’s the lesson here.
So with that in mind, you’ll be unsurprised to hear that her SNL monologue was genuinely funny—and, for someone who carefully orchestrates her public image as much as Kim does, surprisingly revealing! She really went there, joking about her late dad, Robert Kardashian’s defense of O.J. Simpson, her mom’s helicopterish momagerial style, and her relationship with Kanye, whom she divorced earlier this year. (Though the two remain close, and he reportedly even visited her on-set and offered advice as she prepared for her SNL debut.)
“I married the best rapper of all time,” Kim said of her ex-husband during the monologue. “And not only that, he’s the richest Black man in America; a talented, legit genius who gave me four incredible kids. So when I divorced him, you have to know that it came down to just one thing: His personality.” (The line got applause, though she admitted that it sounded “mean.”)
Other jokes that felt a little barbed? Kim’s praise of her mom Kris, for having the foresight to avoid a certain unsavory name. “With all of the ‘K’ names it’s really impressive that my mom didn’t pick ‘Karen.’ Somehow she just knew,” said Kim. “I don’t know how she saw that one coming and not Caitlyn.” Yow.
Caitlyn and Kanye bore the brunt of the jokes that Kim made—at one point, she even got them both at the same time by faking an announcement for a political run and then saying she was kidding because “we can’t have three failed politicians in one family”—but her sisters didn’t get out entirely unscathed. After introducing how she wanted to host the sketch show in order to show she was more than just a pretty face “and good hair, and great makeup, and amazing boobs, and a perfect butt,” she added, “Basically, I’m just so much more than that reference photo my sisters showed their plastic surgeons.” That is savage. Well done, Kim, for understanding the assignment.
Watch the entire monologue below:
Petition to have Kim back to host again, anyone?
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Nutritionist Gabriela Peacock Reveals How She's Helping "Dear Friend" Princess Beatrice During Her Second Pregnancy
"It's been truly wonderful to share this journey with someone so close."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Angelina Jolie Says Motherhood Keeps Her From Feeling Lonely
"My work is not everything. Being a parent is everything."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Princess Kate Stresses the "Importance of Love" During the "Most Difficult Times" in Emotional Christmas Letter
"Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
32 Celebrity Podcasts Worth Listening To
Grab some headphones and tune in.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
How 'Saturday Night' Leans Into Counterculture '70s Fashion to Recreate the Original 'SNL' Cast's Threads
Costume designer Danny Glicker worked extra hard to pay homage to the debut episode’s chaotic aesthetic.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Kim Kardashian Pens Essay Demanding Erik and Lyle Menendez Be Freed From Prison Amid the Release of 'Monsters'
"We owe it to those little boys who lost their childhoods, who never had a chance to be heard, helped or saved," she wrote.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The 30 Celebrity Memoirs That Are Actually Worth Reading
Britney Spears, Demi Moore, Jessica Simpson, and more drop some serious bombshells in these pages.
By Andrea Park Published
-
The Unstoppable Alia Bhatt
Bollywood’s silver-screen darling is both at the top of her game and just getting started.
By Neha Prakash Published
-
The 30 Best Movies on Hulu Right Now
From 'Fight Club' to '10 Things I Hate About You.'
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Queen Elizabeth Has Passed Away at 96
After a 70-year reign, the queen passed away at her home in Balmoral, Scotland.
By Jenny Hollander Published
-
Elizabeth Lail and Dustin Milligan Compete in 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The stars of 'Mack & Rita' could barely hold it together during a round of trivia.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published