Kim Kardashian to change name of controversial ‘Kimono’ line after extreme backlash

Kim Kardashian has pulled a huge 180 after she copped major backlash for the “vile” name of her upcoming line of shapewear undies.

Kim Kardashian has been forced to backtrack after she angered an entire nation last week.

The 38-year-old announced on social media she would be changing the name of her new shapewear line following extreme criticism from angry fans.

She launched “Kimono” last week but within moments of revealing the name came under fire and was accused of “cultural appropriation”.

Last night though she responded to the heat, revealing on Twitter and Instagram she will launch her upcoming line “under a new name”.

“My brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core, and after careful thought and consideration, I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name,” Kardashian said.

Being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve been blessed with in my life. What’s made it possible for me after all of these years has been the direct line of communication with my fans and the public. pic.twitter.com/IB5cto7Mlj

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) July 1, 2019

She added she was “always listening, learning and growing” and as such she “appreciated” the perspectives of those around her.

“When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind,” she added, explaining being an “entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve been blessed with in my life”.

Her announcement comes after she was massively slammed for choosing Kimono — a play on her first name — for her upcoming line, with many claiming the move was “vile”. Those outraged by the name even coined a hashtag “KimOhNo” (as a play on the pronunciation of the word), while other Twitter users defended the mother-of-four amid the backlash.

The mayor of Kyoto reportedly sent Kardashian a formal letter pleading with the star to consider changing the name of her brand.

I am always listening, learning and growing - I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me. When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind.

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) July 1, 2019

My brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core and after careful thought and consideration, I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name. I will be in touch soon. Thank you for your understanding and support always.

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) July 1, 2019

“Kimono is a traditional ethnic dress fostered in our rich nature and history with our predecessors’ tireless endeavours and studies, and it is a culture that has been cherished and passed down with care in our living,” read an excerpt of the letter shared with Fox News.

“Also, it is a fruit of craftsmanship and truly symbolises sense of beauty, spirits and values of Japanese.”

He explained current undertakings to register “Kimono Culture” with UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Finally I can share with you guys this project that I have been developing for the last year.
I’ve been passionate about this for 15 years.

Kimono is my take on shapewear and solutions for women that actually work.

Photos by Vanessa Beecroft pic.twitter.com/YAACrRltX3

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) June 25, 2019

“We think that the names for ‘Kimono’ are the asset shared with all humanity who love Kimono and its culture therefore they should not be monopolised,” the mayor continued.

Originally, Kardashian responded she would not change the name.

Naming your product/startup with Japanese words might seem hip and all, but it really sucks for us when our culture is diluted by names of brands that don't have anything to do with what the word actually represents.
And better yet, trademarking it? F NO.https://t.co/8pFaEGdXI2

— Yuka Ohishi (@0oyukao0) June 25, 2019

This is my kimono.
Not your underwear.#kimonosheila#KimOhNo#kimono@KimKardashian pic.twitter.com/nOr2Sj0iIW

— Sheila Cliffe (@kimonosheila) June 26, 2019

She explained her “deep respect” for the significance of the kimono in Japanese culture and said she had no plans to design or release any garments that would in any way resemble or dishonour the traditional garment.

However, it appears she’s had a change of heart.

Kardashian has not revealed what the new name will be yet.

This article originally appeared on Fox News and was reproduced with permission