Author Jonathan Van Meter has recounted the complexities surrounding the making of his new biography on Kim Kardashian, titled *Citizen Kim: The Woman Who Created the Future*. Over the course of five years, Van Meter delved deep into Kardashian’s life and character, interviewing close friends and family members. However, he encountered notable challenges in his attempts to secure insight from some significant figures in her life, particularly Paris Hilton.
The book, which is set for release on 27 October 2023, aims to provide an in-depth look at Kardashian’s ascent to fame and her influence on contemporary culture. Van Meter shared that despite Kardashian’s longstanding friendship with Hilton, the latter’s absence from the biography is marked by an unusual pattern of cancellations—specifically, 17 instances over four months in which Hilton failed to follow through with a requested interview.
“I suggested to Kim that I should speak with Paris,” Van Meter recounted in a recent interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*. “After checking, Kim informed me that Paris had agreed but insisted I go through her publicist. This was quite different compared to how I approached everyone else.” The author elaborated on his effort to engage Hilton’s team, drafting questions and working with her assistant, only to face a succession of indefinite postponements.
Van Meter revealed that when he informed Kardashian of the situation, her reaction was one of frustration. “Kim was so mad when I told her,” he noted. “It seemed to stir up some ancient irritation between them,” a sentiment that speaks to the complex dynamics of their long history together.
Hilton, whose representative did not respond to a request for comment, has reportedly expressed through a close source that her hectic schedule precluded her participation and clarified that Kardashian is “absolutely not mad” about the situation. The friendship between Hilton and Kardashian has been pivotal in shaping Kardashian’s career, as she worked for Hilton during her tenure on *The Simple Life*. Their relationship laid the groundwork for Kardashian’s own reality television breakthrough with *Keeping Up with the Kardashians* in 2007.
In addition to Hilton’s absence, Van Meter also noted that key figures like Ray J and Kardashian’s ex-husband Kanye West were not included in the book. While initially considering an interview with West, who shares four children with Kardashian, Van Meter felt it would be ethically inappropriate to engage with him amidst a turbulent personal crisis and public controversy. “When his behaviour became increasingly concerning, I thought it would be wrong to include him in the narrative,” he explained. “His changing public perception could potentially overshadow the real story.”
This focus on Kardashian’s personal narrative, somewhat detached from her past relationships with prominent figures, has shaped the direction of *Citizen Kim*. Van Meter emphasised that Kardashian has successfully distanced herself from any negativity surrounding West’s recent controversies, allowing her individual story to shine through.
The biography is described as a thorough exploration of Kardashian, calling her “one of the most business-savvy, influential, and misunderstood public figures of our time”. It promises to juxtapose cultural history with a detailed account of high fashion, providing readers with a multifaceted view of Kardashian’s life and her journey to superstardom.
The author has previously penned two cover stories about Kardashian and has developed a profound understanding of her character. He described her as “the ultimate misunderstood woman”, pushing back against the stereotype of Kardashian as a mere reality TV star. “Kim is actually one of the most resourceful and intuitive individuals I’ve encountered. I aimed to illustrate her substantial journey and what that reveals about the society we inhabit,” he stated.
*Citizen Kim* will be available for purchase across various platforms from 27 October, promising readers an unprecedented insight into the life of one of today’s most scrutinised celebrities. Through Van Meter’s narrative, fans and critics alike can expect a deeper understanding of Kim Kardashian’s impact on modern culture and her role as a pioneering figure.