Kim Kardashian labelled ‘revolting’ and ‘vulgar’ after wearing iconic cross worn by Princess Diana

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star is under fire after wearing a prized piece made iconic by the late Princess Diana.

Kim Kardashian has been labelled “revolting” and “vulgar” after wearing an iconic cross worn by Princess Diana.

The reality TV star, 44, stunned as she stepped out braless in a plunging white Gucci gown and the “Attallah Cross” at the LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

The evening honoured Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and US artist Simone Leigh.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star nabbed the 5.35 carat piece for nearly $US200,000 ($A303,000) in 2023 at Sotheby’s annual Royal & Noble auction.

The gold, silver, diamond and amethyst pendant was named for Naim Attallah, who owned it and lent it to Diana on numerous occasions.

Kim Kardashian attends the LACMA Art+Film Gala at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California. Picture: AFP

Diana famously wore the cross on a long pearl chain with a royal purple Catherine Walker velvet gown at Birthright’s London charity gala in 1987. She also went on to wear it again at several other events including film and theatre premieres.

“Few people could carry this piece off but Diana really could,” his son, Ramsay Attallah, said before the auction.

“When I was growing up, we’d always have it on the table for Christmas lunch, but it was never worn by anyone other than Diana and it hasn’t been seen in public since she died.”

Kardashian’s appearance in the cross on the weekend did not go down well with royal fans.

“That’s a slap in the face to the late Diana,” a Facebook user said.

Another Facebook user agreed: “I think we all know who has more class!”

Diana, Princess Of Wales, wearing the cross at Birthright’s London charity gala in 1987. Picture: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Kim Kardashian bared the cross braless. Picture: AFP

Similarly, an X user said: “Can I just say I find Kim Kardashian wearing Princess Diana’s cross a revolting flaunt of wealth, power, and ignorance. There is no way this is what Diana would have wanted. Shame on @KimKardashian!”

Another X user chimed in: “How vulgar. The world is laughing at USA for having this tacky Kardashians”.

The reality TV star stirred controversy in 2022 when she sported Marilyn Monroe’s $US10 million ($A14.4 million) dress at the Met Gala – a moment that has not been forgotten.

“First it was Marilyn Monroe’s dress, now it’s princess Diana’s necklace. What’s next?” wrote an X user.

Royal fans have dubbed the move “disrespectful” to the late Princess Diana. Picture: Getty Images

The “Attallah Cross” was purchased by Kardashian for $US200,000 ($A303,000) in 2023. Picture: AFP

Author and jewellery historian Vivienne Becker previously told Vogue, the cross “demonstrated how Princess Diana wore her jewelry (sic) with a mix of reverence and playfulness, and more than a nod to fashion as we saw in her mischievous way of wearing both precious and costume jewelry (sic)”.

She added: “The size and impact of this cross, worn unusually on a long necklace, also hints at Madonna’s 1980s style, and at star quality. Added to this, the amethysts make reference to royalty – amethysts were traditionally associated with both clergy and with royalty.”

Originally published as Kim Kardashian labelled ‘revolting’ and ‘vulgar’ after wearing iconic cross worn by Princess Diana