Kim Tells Caitlyn: ‘Don’t Talk About My Children’

The Kardashian family has built a billion dollar empire of fashion collections, beauty brands and social media endorsements. But before the yacht parties, the Rise and Shine memes and a wedding at the Palace of Versailles, it all started with a single episode of a reality TV show. Now, after 17 series, 10 spin-offs and countless awards, the family have become a cultural juggernaut. And yet, as Caitlyn Jenner entered the jungle as part of the new series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Grazia understands that the Kardashian clan were worried about what one of their own was about to share.

Indeed, Caitlyn soon discussed certain members of the family with her fellow campmates, admiring Kim’s business acumen and noting how Kanye West has always been ‘very, very good to me’. But she is set to share more, in a bid to deliver on a vow that earned her a reported £500,000 appearance fee. ‘Caitlyn knows that she’s getting this paycheck because producers are expecting her to spill details of life with the Kardashians,’ an insider says, ‘and she’s not going to disappoint.’

A separate source tells Grazia that Kim spoke with Caitlyn shortly before she left the US to wish her the best of luck. But the discussion also came with a warning. ‘Kim is fond of Caitlyn, and they were always close,' the source says. ‘She has a thick skin, and understands that people are always going to be interested in hearing about her and her family. But she has made it clear that she will not tolerate certain topics – her children, for example – and has asked that Caitlyn think before she speaks when discussing her marriage with Kris [Kim’s mother and ‘momager’ of the Kardashian family].’

It comes at a time where Kim is aiming to be taken seriously. She is pursuing a career in law, and last week was celebrating the new that Rodney Reed - an inmate she has been working with - will have his execution delayed, thanks in part to her efforts. Kanye, meanwhile, is working on the continued success of Sunday Service, his series of evangelical services.

‘Kim has laid down the law, but is still apprehensive,' says our source. ‘Caitlyn has seen every tantrum and argument. She knows where every body – metaphorically, of course – is buried.’ While Kim is confident that Caitlyn understands her concerns, she is also aware how easy it is to forget yourself when the cameras are always watching. Caitlyn, meanwhile, has her own concerns. ‘She fears that sharing one secret too many may be the nail in her coffin within the family,' the source adds.

Relations within the family have been historically fractious. In 2015, Caitlyn and Kris announced that they were to divorce. Caitlyn announced her new name and appearance via a Vanity Fair cover, and launched her memoir – The Secrets Of My Life – in 2017. In it, she appeared to criticise the Kardashian way of life, writing that ‘anytime a Kardashian is on television, many in the public tend to think it is a publicity stunt to make money’. Kris was unhappy with how she, and others, were depicted, saying that Caitlyn had ‘f***ed everyone over.’ Nevertheless, they appeared to bury the hatchet: Kris was a guest at Caitlyn’s 70th birthday party earlier this month. Only Khloe, the youngest of the three Kardashian sisters, was absent.

Despite the warning, Kim has remained supportive of Caitlyn as she entered the jungle, sharing a message of support on social media. But this is far from the party line within the family. When Brody, star of The Hills and Caitlyn’s son (from previous marriage to actress Linda Thompson), was asked if he would be tuning in to the programme, he said he 'doesn't know what it is'.

Caitlyn has proved to be a popular addition to the I’m A Celebrity camp, and has gone down well with viewers. But if she remains there as the weeks go on, her family will be watching anxiously, hoping that this reality TV appearance is not the straw that brings down an empire