Khloe Kardashian has said that how she looks in her images on social media should be controlled by her and that it is her choice how she is portrayed in public.
The 36-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star has faced a huge backlash after an unedited bikini photo went viral after it was mistakenly posted on her Instagram page.
The Kardashian 'machine' rolled into action and insisted that the photo was not used across media sites as it was claimed that the image was for private and personal use only, and not to have been made public.
With the likes of Piers Morgan claiming that this has exposed the Kardashians as a "scam", Khloe has now addressed the furore and insisted that she has every right to own how she looks on her social media.
The reality star has looked to address accusation about her editing her images by a posting 'live' video of her stripped down to her underwear and behind-the-scenes pics of photoshoot, which haven't been altered, to show that she is natural.
The video on Instagram Live saw Khloe taking off her jumper and lowering her trousers to "show you all this isn't Photoshopped."
The KUWTK star also posted a strong statement in her defence, with sister Kim showing support, writing in the comments: "I love you Khloe."
The statement from Khloe read: "The photo that was posted this week is beautiful.
"But as someone who has struggled with body image her whole life, when someone takes a photo of you that isn’t flattering in bad lighting or doesn’t capture your body the way it is after working so hard to get it to this point – and then shares it to the world – you should have every right to ask for it to not be shared – regardless of who you are.
"In truth, the pressure, constant ridicule and judgment my entire life to be perfect and to meet other’s standards of how I should look has been too much to bear."
Khloe went on to say how she is often portrayed, as she continued: ""Khloe is the fat sister". “Khloe is the ugly sister.” “Her dad must not be her real dad because she looks so different.” “The only way she could have lost that weight must have been from surgery.”
"Should I go on? ‘Oh but who cares how she feels because she grew up in a life of privilege.
"She’s also on a reality show so she signed up for all of this. I’m of course not asking for sympathy but I am asking to be acknowledged for being human.
"I am not perfect but I promise you that I try everyday to live my life as honestly as possible and with empathy and kindness.
"It doesn’t mean that I have not made mistakes. But I’m not going to lie. It’s almost unbearable trying to live up to the impossible standards that the public have all set for me."
Khloe went on to add that it is was "my body, my image, and how I choose to look what I want to share is my choice. It’s not for anyone to decide or judge what is acceptable or not any more."
The lengthy statement continued: "For over a decade now in photos, every single flaw and imperfection has been micro-analysed and made fun of to the smallest detail and I am reminded of them everyday by the world.
"And when I take that criticism to use as motivation to get myself in the best shape of my life and to even help others with the same struggles, I am told I couldn’t have done it through hard work and I must have paid for it all. ‘I love a good filter, good lighting and an edit here and there.
"The same way I throw on some make-up, get my nails done, or wear a pair of heels to present myself to the world the way I want to be seen and it’s exactly what I will continue to do unapologetically.
"My body, my image, and how I choose to look what I want to share is my choice. It’s not for anyone to decide or judge what is acceptable or not any more.
"For those else who feel the constant pressure of not ever feeling perfect enough, I want you to know I see you and I understand."
In the image that the Kardashians have tried to have removed from the internet, Khloe is see posing in a bikini with minimal make-up.
The image also appears to be unedited and without filters, after her grandmother Mary Jo took the snap.
Tracy Romulus, who is chief marketing officer of KKW Brands, released a statement to Us Weekly, which said: "Khloé looks beautiful but it is within the right of the copyright owner to not want an image not intended to be published taken down."
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