Kim Kardashian Says She Had ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ with Ex Kanye West: ‘It’s a Divorce, Not a Kidnapping’

Kim Kardashian Opens Up About Experiencing ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ During Her Marriage to Kanye West

Kim Kardashian has never shied away from sharing the complexities of her personal life, and in the latest season of *The Kardashians*, she reveals a deeply personal reflection on her seven-year marriage to Kanye West. The reality TV star and entrepreneur candidly described feeling like she had “Stockholm Syndrome” during her relationship with the rapper, highlighting the emotional toll their marriage took on her.

Married in 2014, Kim and Kanye share four children: North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm. Their union, once celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most glamorous, eventually unraveled, leading to their divorce in 2021. Despite the separation, Kim continues to navigate the challenges of co-parenting while protecting her children from the public and private turmoil surrounding their father’s erratic behavior.

During the season 7 premiere of *The Kardashians*, Kim revealed that since the divorce, she has experienced a resurgence of psoriasis, a condition that had previously subsided. She attributed this flare-up to the stress of managing the complicated dynamics with Kanye, emphasizing how much she has had to “super, super protect” what matters most—her children.

Protecting Her Children Amid Kanye West’s Erratic Behavior

Kim Kardashian’s primary concern remains the well-being of their four children. She shared that recently, one of her kids overheard discussions about Kanye’s unpredictable conduct, which has made her role as a mother even more critical. “They’re gonna know things. They’re gonna grow up, they’re gonna see,” Kim said. “So my job as a mom is to just make sure that—at a time when that behavior is happening—is just to make sure that they’re protected.”

The reality star also addressed the misconception that she has the luxury of simply walking away from Kanye. “That’s not my reality,” Kim explained. “This person—we have 4 kids together. It’s very confusing because it’ll be all this talk on the internet of like, ‘I’m keeping the kids.’ He’s never once called and asked [to see them].” She added, “But then I’ll wake up, and it’s on Twitter that I’m keeping the kids. When it’s not true and not rational, I just have to … I can’t engage all the time. It’s a divorce—not a kidnapping.”

This statement underscores the ongoing challenges Kim faces in balancing public perception with the private realities of co-parenting in the spotlight.

Reflecting on a ‘Toxic’ Marriage and Moving Forward

Reflecting on her relationship with Kanye West, Kim admitted that she often felt a sense of responsibility to protect and help him, which she likened to Stockholm Syndrome—a psychological condition where hostages develop sympathy for their captors. “I always felt really bad and always protected and always wanted to help,” she said. “I would think to myself, ‘I should’ve stuck it out’ or ‘I could’ve helped,’ but this was the first time I didn’t feel that responsibility personally.”

Kim’s openness about the emotional complexity of her marriage sheds light on the difficulties many face when dealing with partners who exhibit erratic or challenging behavior. Her honesty also highlights the importance of recognizing when it’s necessary to prioritize one’s own mental health and the well-being of children over maintaining a troubled relationship.

Despite the sadness surrounding the end of their marriage, Kim is focused on healing and moving forward. She continues to build her career, starring in the Ryan Murphy series *All’s Fair* alongside acclaimed actors like Glenn Close and Sarah Paulson, while also managing her business ventures and family life.

Conclusion

Kim Kardashian’s candid revelations about feeling like she had “Stockholm Syndrome” during her marriage to Kanye West provide a rare glimpse into the emotional struggles behind one of Hollywood’s most high-profile relationships. Her commitment to protecting her children and prioritizing their well-being amid ongoing challenges is a powerful reminder of the complexities of co-parenting after divorce.

If you found Kim’s story insightful, stay tuned for more updates on *The Kardashians* and other celebrity news. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content.