Kim Kardashian is continuing her work in helping prisoners, but, this time, instead of helping to grant clemency, she is offering to pay the rent of an ex-prisoner for five years. It’s reported by TMZ that Kim reached out to Matthew Charles, who was the first person to be released under new prison reform laws, through social media on Sunday to make the kind offer. Kardashian stepped in after she heard that Matthew, who served 20 of his 35 year sentence for a non-violent drug and weapons charge, had his housing application denied because of his background. US Weekly, who first reported the story, says Charles plans to save up to buy a home of his own while Kim takes care of the rent bills.
Sharing the wonderful news on Facebook, Matthew said: ''I just received the most wonderful news tonight that I just had to share with everyone. Kim Kardashian-West heard about my situation. [She] was moved and has decided to help me.” Understanding that people might be quick to doubt the Kardashian's motives, he was quick to disarm cynics who believed the move would be a mere publicity gain for Kim - by sharing that it was his choice to announce the goodwill gesture. He added: “Kim did not do this for attention or publicity, but I had to share it, because it's too good not to, and my heart is about to burst with happiness, that I wish you to rejoice in this news with me.” (And to be fair, it’s hardly as if the most famous woman in the world really needs the extra publicity, is it?!)
It’s true to form for Kim, who is clearly passionate about criminal justice. Last year, she made headlines after her quest to freeAlice Marie Johnson succeeded. The reality queen campaigned tirelessly for Alice - who spent 21 years in prison for a non-violent drug offence - to be pardoned by Donald Trump. And as a result, not only was Alice finally granted clemency – but, for once, one of the most ridiculed women in the world was finally taken at more value than a selfie. (Proving they’re still on good terms, last month it was revealed that Kim would write the foreword to Alice’s upcoming memoir.)
While this latest kind act is certainly less grandiose, the personal impact it will have on Matthew is huge. The fact Kim hasn’t posted about it on her social channels, at all, points to the possibility that this was a genuine act of goodwill - and not a PR stunt conducted with the help of momager Kris Jenner. It also demonstrates that she actually does care, and is continuing to support the cause that inspired her to delve into politics last year. (The less said about her husband, Kanye West, and his politics, the better.)
This probably won’t be the last act of kindness we hear from Kim either, as the reality star previously revealed she would like to help more people. “it’s a longer-term mission for me,” she shared. “I never started out thinking I was being political. I just thought I was helping people and I knew that I had the opportunity or the resources, so I used them and, you know, it worked out really well for Alice. I definitely saw a lot of compassion from the White House with her and I really do believe it's just the beginning.”