Kardashian curse

Did You Know?

• In 2026, Kendall Jenner appeared in a Super Bowl LX advert mocking the "Kardashian Curse" by joking about betting on her ex-boyfriends.
• The concept has been covered in tabloids and celebrity news outlets, and referenced in opinion journalism, podcasts, and social media discourse.
• Music and cultural commentary outlets have addressed the belief as part of discussions about celebrity branding and modern fame.

Overview

The "Kardashian curse" refers to a supposed pattern where NBA players or other celebrities face slumps, injuries, or scandals after dating a Kardashian-Jenner. Media reports rely on isolated examples, but critics argue this idea stems from confirmation bias, sexism, and racial stereotypes, not evidence. Sociologists view it as a modern "femme fatale" myth, blaming women for men's setbacks.

Origins

The "Kardashian curse" first appeared in sports blogs and media around the early 2010s, following Kim Kardashian’s high-profile relationships with athletes like Kris Humphries and Reggie Bush. Social media fueled the term by connecting these relationships to coinciding player injuries, trades, or performance drops. By the mid-2010s, it had become a recognized pop culture belief.

Association with professional sports

The idea of a "Kardashian curse" mainly appears in discussions about the NBA. Several players, including Lamar Odom, Tristan Thompson, and Ben Simmons, have faced injuries, inconsistent play, or personal difficulties while involved with or after dating a Kardashian-Jenner family member. Rashad McCants stated in a 2017 interview that his relationship with Khloé Kardashian led to his departure from the NBA. James Harden described the media attention during his time with Khloé Kardashian as a distraction, but his performance on the court stayed strong both during and after the relationship. Many sports analysts and commentators dismiss the curse as unsupported, pointing out that professional athletes often deal with injuries or slumps unrelated to their personal lives.

Criticism and analysis

The idea of a Kardashian curse has been criticized as a misogynistic narrative that unfairly blames women for men’s career failures, particularly when applied to Black male athletes. Critics argue it overlooks the men’s own roles and the intense pressures of professional sports. Analysts also point to confirmation bias, noting that partners like Kendall Jenner’s ex, Devin Booker, who made the 2021 NBA Finals while dating her, are left out of the conversation. Meanwhile, unrelated slumps are retroactively blamed on the relationship to support the curse. The Kardashian-Jenner family has rejected the concept. In a 2021 reunion special, Kendall Jenner said she dislikes how the narrative puts blame on them, insisting the men need to take responsibility.