Khloé Kardashian has always been outspoken, a trait that has occasionally landed her in hot water. One particularly notable instance was her lengthy legal dispute with Ellen Pierson, the widow of her late father, Robert Kardashian. This legal saga not only exposed family tensions but also brought to light the complicated dynamics between the Kardashian family and Pierson, who only briefly became part of their lives.
For those who follow "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," the relationship between the Kardashian sisters and their father is well-documented. They often express admiration for Robert Kardashian, who was married to Kris Jenner for 13 years. However, what often goes unmentioned is Robert's later marriages, particularly his marriage to Ellen Pierson. Despite his two previous marriages, Robert's connection with Pierson sparked significant family conflict after his untimely death.
Robert Kardashian married Ellen Pierson in 2003, but their union was short-lived; he passed away just a month later. This brief marriage, however, set the stage for a turbulent relationship between Pierson and the Kardashian family, especially Khloé. As the family navigated their grief, Pierson's presence became a point of contention, leading to a series of legal disputes that would unfold in the years following Robert's death.
Ellen Pierson sued the Kardashian family for defamation
Following Robert's passing, tensions escalated significantly. The Kardashian family, particularly Khloé, struggled to accept Ellen Pierson as part of their family narrative. Notably, in Ian Halperin's biography, "Kardashian Dynasty," he recounts an incident where Khloé took her father's beloved toy monkey, Jocko, from Pierson's possession after Robert's funeral. This act, though seemingly trivial, highlighted the underlying animosity between Khloé and Pierson.
In 2013, Ellen Pierson took legal action against Khloé and the rest of the Kardashian family, including Kris, Kim, Kourtney, and Rob. She claimed defamation, alleging that the family sought to portray her as a manipulative person on "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." According to reports, Pierson accused the Kardashians of attempting to hire a private investigator to gather damaging information about her, which they would then use to paint her in a negative light.
During the lawsuit, Pierson alleged that the Kardashians falsely suggested she married Robert for his wealth, creating a stigma around her character. She described Kris Jenner in her lawsuit as a "manipulative and devious mother," claiming that the family exploited their children for fame and profit. This legal battle not only exposed the rift between Pierson and the Kardashians but also revealed the family's fierce loyalty to their late father.
Khloé fought back Ellen Pierson's defamation lawsuit
Khloé Kardashian was not one to back down from a fight, especially when it involved her father's legacy. In her defense against Pierson's lawsuit, Khloé asserted that Ellen married Robert at a time when he was gravely ill, which raised questions about the legitimacy of their union. She claimed that during the wedding ceremony, her father was not fully aware of what was happening due to his struggle with esophageal cancer. This assertion painted a picture of manipulation on Pierson's part, as Khloé described how guests had to assist Robert in order to take part in the ceremony.
The legal proceedings eventually made their way to a judge in Los Angeles in 2014. The judge dismissed most of the Kardashian statements as lacking sufficient evidence for defamation. However, there were four statements made by Khloé and her family that were deemed significant enough to allow Pierson to proceed with her claims. One notable statement included Khloé's assertion that Pierson "married [my father] on his deathbed."
Ultimately, while Pierson was able to pursue her case, little information surfaced regarding the outcome. After 2014, the public heard very little about her defamation lawsuit against the Kardashian family. This lack of follow-up left many wondering whether the dispute had truly ended or if it simply faded into the background of the Kardashians' tumultuous public life.
What You Will Learn
Key Takeaways
- The complex relationship between Khloé Kardashian and Ellen Pierson reveals the emotional aftermath of loss and family loyalty.
- Ellen Pierson's lawsuit against the Kardashian family highlights the legal battles that can arise from personal grievances.
- Khloé's defense illustrates the fierce protectiveness of the Kardashian family over their father's legacy.
- The aftermath of Robert Kardashian's death serves as a reminder of how complicated family dynamics can become in the face of grief.
