They were once known as one of the world’s most iconic power couples, but (as of her January 2021 divorce filing), Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (formerly colloquially dubbed ‘Kimye’) are no more. From (very public) fighting on Instagram to moving on to other partners very quickly (hi Pete Davidson and Julia Fox!), it’s been a whirlwind past year for the former married couple.
Why their relationship came to an end, however, fans think can be found in Kardashian’s March 2022 Vogue cover story, in which she details finding happiness after divorce and the tumultuous circumstances that made her marriage so difficult.
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“For so long, I did what made other people happy,” Kardashian, 41, said. “And I think in the last two years I decided, I’m going to make myself happy. And that feels really good. And even if that created changes and caused my divorce, I think it’s important to be honest with yourself about what really makes you happy. I’ve chosen myself. I think it’s okay to choose you.”
Kardashian then explained that her current style exploration is empowering since she doesn’t need to rely on her ex-husband’s approval. “I always think, What will be next? Because I always had Kanye, who knew exactly what the next fashion era would be for me,” she said. “And there’s something scary about being out there on your own, but also something so liberating.”
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The reality star also notably said to Vogue that being West’s unwavering supporter (and traveling with him to his many business ventures like concerts and fashion shows, his presidential run, etc.) was exhausting, especially since she is the prime caregiver of their four children—North, 8, Saint, 6, Chicago, 3 and Psalm, 2. “You could be so hurt or angry at your ex, but I think in front of the kids, it always has to be ‘Your dad’s the best,'” she said about the difficulties of raising children with Ye. “Make sure you are your co-parent’s biggest cheerleader,” she added. “No matter what you’re personally going through.”
The former married pair have continued to co-parent their children, though just last week, West blasted Kardashian’s parenting style on his personal Instagram account, forcing her to defend herself and why she lets their daughter North post videos with her on TikTok.
“Kanye’s constant attacks on me in interviews and on social media is actually more hurtful than any TikTok North might create,” Kardashian then said on her Instagram story hours later. “As the parent who is the main provider and caregiver for our children, I am doing my best to protect our daughter while also allowing her to express her creativity in the medium that she wishes with adult supervision—because it brings her so much happiness.”
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She continued, “Divorce is difficult enough on our children and Kanye’s obsession with trying to control and manipulate our situation so negatively and publicly is only causing further pain for all. From the beginning, I have wanted nothing but a healthy and supportive co-parenting relationship because it is what is best for our children and it saddens me that Kanye continues to make it impossible every step of the way.”
Although we might never hear the full complete story, Kimye divorcing due to the pair’s different career endeavors, stress seemingly caused by Ye’s very public outbursts and their political differences could be why, as fans who read and analyzed the Vogue cover story point out on Twitter.