Kim Kardashian, known for carefully managing her public image and family brand, recently took swift action by shutting down her 8-year-old son Saint West’s YouTube channel. This decision came after Saint posted two controversial videos that contained what some considered crude remarks aimed at U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. The videos quickly gained attention, drawing criticism from fans and viewers, prompting Kardashian to act quickly and decisively.
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In a world where social media holds significant sway over public opinion and young influencers are under constant scrutiny, Kim Kardashian’s choice to shut down her son’s channel is emblematic of the challenges parents face in the digital age—especially when they’re in the public eye.
The Incident: Two Videos Spark Controversy
Saint West’s YouTube account, @TheGoatSaint, was a budding platform where he posted content under the watchful eye of his famous mother. However, his recent uploads crossed a line in many viewers’ eyes, as they directly targeted Vice President Kamala Harris. In one of the videos, a cartoon image appeared to be saying, “stepped in s–t,” with an accompanying image of Harris on the character’s foot, suggesting a form of mockery. In the second video, clips from the show “Saved By The Bell” showed characters saying “dumb,” “stupid,” “crazy,” and “dangerous” with an image of Harris’s face superimposed underneath the captions. This content quickly gained traction, spreading across social media and sparking controversy.
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Once these videos were widely circulated, fans began to speculate about the involvement of Saint’s parents, both of whom have publicly known, yet opposing, political views. Kardashian has publicly leaned toward the Democratic Party, whereas Kanye “Ye” West, Saint’s father, has openly supported Donald Trump, even declaring his own presidential ambitions in recent years. With these political contrasts, fans and the media began to question the origin of Saint’s videos and the level of control Kardashian had over the channel.
Kim Kardashian’s Swift Response
According to sources close to Kardashian, the reality star took down Saint’s YouTube channel as soon as the videos surfaced. Anyone searching for the account now finds a message stating, “This page isn’t available.” The shutdown of @TheGoatSaint came shortly after the videos went viral, with Kardashian likely wanting to prevent any further scrutiny or backlash toward her family.
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Kardashian had previously discussed her control over Saint’s online activities, mentioning that she could make his YouTube channel “private or delete it” if content violated her expectations or standards. In September, she even shared a contract she created for Saint regarding rules he must follow on his channel. The contract included provisions such as, “I must show my mom or guardian all videos before I post them. I give permission to any grown-up if mom says to delete my video for any reason. If I don’t listen to all the rules, mom could make my page private or delete my account.” Kardashian’s prompt action thus reflects her commitment to enforcing these guidelines, especially when Saint’s videos could tarnish the family’s public image.
Fan Reaction: Divided Opinions on Social Media
As news of the channel’s shutdown spread, reactions from fans and followers quickly emerged. On platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, opinions ranged from full support of Kardashian’s decision to criticism of her handling of the situation. Many fans praised Kardashian for being an attentive and responsible parent in the digital age, recognizing the challenges of raising children in the public eye.
One fan tweeted, “Kim did the right thing. Kids shouldn’t be posting controversial things online, especially not about politicians.” Another agreed, saying, “This is exactly why parents need to monitor their kids’ online activity. Good on Kim for taking action.”
However, some criticized Kardashian’s approach, suggesting that she should have had more stringent controls from the beginning. “If she knew her son was going to be posting, she should have been monitoring every video before it went live,” one Twitter user remarked. Another follower commented, “Kim’s family has always been in the public eye, but that doesn’t mean her kids should be involved in drama like this.”
A Complicated Family Dynamic: Kim and Kanye’s Political Divide
This incident comes against the backdrop of Kardashian and Kanye West’s differing political beliefs, which have been widely publicized over the years. Kardashian has openly supported the Democratic Party, even visiting the White House in April 2024 to discuss clemency for non-violent drug offenders with Vice President Kamala Harris. This move was seen as an endorsement of the administration’s approach to social justice reform, furthering Kardashian’s image as a social justice advocate.
Kanye, on the other hand, has been vocal about his support for conservative policies and figures, including Donald Trump. He has praised Trump publicly, and in 2024, West even expressed interest in running for president, reaching out to Trump about potentially being his running mate. This political divide within the family adds another layer of complexity to the recent controversy, as fans speculated on the influence each parent might have on Saint’s views and social media presence.
Parental Responsibility in the Digital Age
The incident underscores the unique challenges faced by celebrity parents in managing their children’s digital lives. In an era where young children are increasingly active on social media and have direct access to global audiences, the question of how much freedom to allow—and how much control to exert—has become a crucial issue for parents. Kardashian, despite her familiarity with the spotlight, must balance her children’s exposure with the potential risks of public scrutiny.
Kim has previously emphasized her dedication to providing a stable environment for her children, frequently speaking about her desire to shield them from unnecessary controversy. This latest episode involving Saint’s YouTube channel highlights Kardashian’s determination to maintain boundaries, both to protect her children and to preserve her family’s image.
An Ongoing Discussion: The Role of Children in Public Figures’ Lives
Kardashian’s actions have also sparked broader conversations about the ethics of allowing young children to have such platforms. Some fans argue that children of high-profile parents should have the right to express themselves, while others believe that children’s involvement in social media should be limited until they are old enough to understand the implications fully.
As social media grows more integrated into daily life, these discussions are becoming more relevant. For parents like Kardashian, whose children are part of a family brand, the decision-making process involves not only parenting choices but also public relations considerations. Many wonder if Saint’s incident will influence other celebrity parents to enforce stricter guidelines or even rethink their children’s online presence.
Kardashian’s Commitment to Protecting Her Family Image
For Kardashian, who has built a vast empire around her family and personal brand, every decision involving her children’s public actions can carry substantial implications. Kardashian’s choice to delete Saint’s account aligns with her protective nature, ensuring that her family is not associated with divisive or potentially damaging content. Given her high-profile status, Kardashian is well-aware of the scrutiny surrounding her actions and strives to set a responsible example in managing her children’s social media interactions.
As this story continues to make waves, Kardashian’s handling of the incident may serve as a model for other public figures navigating the same terrain. In the fast-paced world of social media, where minor missteps can quickly go viral, her decision to prioritize her child’s safety and reputation speaks to her role as a mother and a public figure.
The swift removal of Saint West’s YouTube channel serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in raising children in the public eye. For Kim Kardashian, this incident reinforces the importance of maintaining boundaries and guiding her children as they navigate their online lives. Her decisive action in the face of controversy reflects her commitment to family, image, and responsibility, even when it means making tough choices in the digital world.