As the world navigated the tumultuous waters of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, relationships were put to the test. Studies reveal that the divorce rate in California alone skyrocketed as couples, who once had the luxury of separating for work, were now forced to confront the harsh realities of being confined in the same home for 24 hours a day. For many, this meant realizing that their marriage was not as harmonious as they had once believed. COVID-19 has accelerated the end of countless relationships and marriages, leaving the family law community busier than ever.

It should come as no surprise then that even celebrities have found themselves caught in the tide of marital turmoil. Kim Kardashian West, for example, recently filed for divorce from her nearly seven-year marriage to Kanye West, a union that had been showing signs of strain for months. Kanye West’s erratic behavior, including his run for U.S. president and public manic episodes, likely played a role in the couple’s decision to end their marriage.

As the two begin the process of reaching a property settlement agreement, it’s worth noting that they have a combined net worth of over 2 billion dollars. This, coupled with their extensive prenuptial agreement, is likely to make their divorce proceedings a complex and contentious process, particularly when it comes to valuating their business assets.

But what can we learn from the high-profile separation of the Kardashian-West union? Firstly, if you have assets to protect, it’s crucial to have open and honest conversations with your spouse about getting a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. These agreements can encourage important, but often difficult, conversations about finances, parenting, and other important issues. Secondly, if you find yourself in an unhappy marriage, don’t wait to file for divorce. Life is too short to be stuck in a miserable marriage, and if even a celebrity like Kim Kardashian West can make the difficult decision to end her marriage, so can you.

Things we can learn from Kanye / Kardashian divorce

1. Intimate partner violence is a pervasive and insidious reality that affects individuals of all walks of life, regardless of their socioeconomic status, cultural background, or perceived privilege. Despite the common belief that those who are wealthy, white, and straight are immune to abuse, the World Health Organisation has shown that intimate partner violence occurs in all settings and among all groups. Unfortunately, privilege does not exclude one from the possibility of violence, it simply makes resilience more attainable. However, the violence may become more bearable, but it is never truly inescapable.
2. Intimate partner violence is not limited to the public sphere, it is a reality that affects those closest to us, probably right under our noses. We often only see celebrities’ curated personas, but the reality is that they, like the rest of us, experience all the complexities and vulnerabilities of being human. This is especially true in the case of celebrity divorce, which can be highly revealing. Unfortunately, this secrecy and concealment of abuse is a reality for many individuals, regardless of their fame or wealth. Intimate partner violence should be taken seriously in all contexts, regardless of the socioeconomic status of those involved.
3. Fairytales and popular media often perpetuate the myth of the happy-ever-after, but the reality is that relationships are complex and often fraught with challenges. This is true for celebrities and non-celebrities alike. It is important to be prepared for the possibility that things may not always work out in the end.
4. Escaping an abusive relationship is a difficult and daunting task, and this is especially true for those who have resources and privilege. The case of Kim Kardashian highlights the difficulties that even the most powerful and wealthy individuals face when trying to leave an abusive relationship. It is important to recognize that leaving an abusive relationship is a complex and difficult process, regardless of one’s race, class, or gender. It is crucial to provide support and resources to those who are trying to leave an abusive relationship.

Abuse is a terrifying and deeply unsettling thing to witness, and it’s all the more distressing when it’s happening to someone who is rich and famous, like Kim Kardashian. Despite her wealth and status, Kim is currently going through a harrowing experience, as her husband, Kanye West, has been publicly expressing his frustrations with her and their children in ways that are both manipulative and intimidating. He has shared private text messages and created disturbing memes and images that experts have deemed as abusive.

It’s not just Kim who is affected by this kind of abuse, as the world watches with a mixture of shock and dismay as the situation between the couple continues to escalate. The alarming thing is that many people are choosing to stand by and watch, even though they may have deep reservations about what they’re seeing. This is a common scenario for those in abusive relationships, as it can be difficult for friends and family to intervene and put a stop to the abuse.

Abuse comes in many forms, and it’s not always physical. Kanye’s behavior is a clear example of emotional abuse, as he has publicly accused Kim of trying to keep him from his children and has put their marital issues on full display for the world to see. He has also engaged in digital abuse, by sharing private conversations and encouraging others to berate and threaten his ex-partner. Even if his behavior doesn’t meet the legal definition of stalking, it certainly meets our own standard of abusive behavior.

It’s important to remember that emotional abuse can often lead to physical abuse, and that’s why it’s so important to take it seriously. The pattern of abuse starts with a honeymoon phase, where the abuser is charming and attentive, but as tensions build, they can lash out in ways that are harmful and dangerous. Emotional abuse can manifest in many ways, such as gaslighting, insults, threats of violence, and financial restrictions. It’s crucial that we recognize the signs of abuse and take action to stop it, before it escalates further.