Kim Kardashian: net worth, why is she a billionaire – and what’s happening with her divorce from Kanye West?

Forbes magazine values Kardashian’s net worth at one billion dollars (£723 million), up from 780 million dollars (£506 million) in October

Kim Kardashian is officially a billionaire, according to Forbes magazine.

The reality TV star has joined the likes of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, thanks largely to her clothing company Skims and her cosmetics brand KKW Beauty, the American business magazine said.

As well as her businesses, the rest of the 40-year-old’s wealth comes from her TV career and endorsement deals, Forbes said.

Kardashian is not the first member of her family to be crowned a billionaire; half-sister Kylie Jenner was also said to be a billionaire by the magazine (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for ULTA Beauty / KKW Beauty)

Here is everything you need to know about her.

How is she so rich?

Kardashian is not the first member of her family to be crowned a billionaire by Forbes.

She founded KKW Beauty in 2017. She looked to half-sister Kylie Jenner for inspiration, according to Forbes, following the success of Kylie Cosmetics. Both businesses rely heavily on the siblings’ vast social media followings.

Kardashian filed for divorce from husband Kanye West in February, citing irreconcilable differences (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Kylie, 23, was said to be a billionaire by the magazine, however in May last year it stripped her of the title and accused her of inflating the value of her business.

Announcing her own cosmetics line in 2017, Kardashian told Forbes: “It’s the first time I’ve moved away from having licensing deals and transitioned into being an owner.”

Kardashian sold 20 per cent of KKW Beauty to cosmetics giant Coty last year for 200 million dollars (£144 million), in a deal valuing the business at 1 billion dollars.

However, Forbes said that figure might be inflated as Coty is known for overpaying and said Kardashian’s remaining 72 per cent stake is worth about 500 million dollars (£361 million).

Her stake in Skims, a shapewear company, is valued by the magazine at a “conservative” 225 million dollars (£162 million).

With Kardashian’s cash, investments and real estate, that brings her net worth to a billion dollars, according to Forbes.

Why is she famous?

Kim Kardashian has propelled herself from reality star and socialite to one of the biggest stars on the planet.

Kardashian shot to fame with the launch of reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians in 2007, which followed members of the Kardashian and Jenner families, revealing details about their lives and relationships.

The programme became a cultural phenomenon, making worldwide stars of those who appeared in it. The programme will end this year after 20 series.

What’s happening with Kanye West?

Kardashian’s estranged husband, Kanye West, was said to have joined the exclusive club last year, thanks largely to his Yeezy shoe business.

Their marriage was rumoured to be in trouble last year after the rapper launched an unsuccessful presidential campaign and frequently caused controversy with headline-making tweets about their relationship.

Kardashian filed for divorce in February citing irreconcilable differences, bringing months of fevered speculation to an end. The marital woes have featured in the final series of the family’s reality TV show.

During a brief discussion about West’s White House Bid, which was announced in July last year, Kardashian family friend Malika Haqq joked about Kim being First Lady, only for the star to put an end to the conversation while the cameras were rolling.

The former couple – who married in 2014 – are seeking joint custody of their children and will stick to their prenuptial agreement, legal papers have shown.