If you’ve been online lately, then you are likely familiar with the Karen phenomenon. These out-of-control entitled individuals have been making headlines lately due to their bizarre behaviour and unruly demeanor.
Karens can be a major issue for society, often loud, irritating and white. Unfortunately, they also tend to get violent or aggressive with people who inconvenience them.
Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby, the legendary Philadelphia stand-up comedian, actor, and author, has a chequered past. He was accused of sexual assault by more than 50 women over several decades; ultimately in 2018 he was found guilty (later overturned) of drugging and assaulting one woman.
Over the years, Bill Cosby earned hundreds of millions in syndication revenues from The Cosby Show. He then invested that money in an expansive real estate portfolio and art collection – estimated to be worth more than $100 million based on recent market prices. His mansions in Pennsylvania and Beverly Hills, California alone are believed to be worth at least $100 million collectively.
Cosby is a multi-millionaire who also writes books. His works on parenting and aging, such as Fatherhood, sold millions of copies worldwide while American Schools: The $100 Billion Challenge became an international bestseller.
He is also the founder of the Cosby Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering diversity in media and entertainment. With a mission of improving lives of children, women, and families worldwide, this foundation has provided support to numerous charitable organizations.
As a stand-up comedian, Cosby had to overcome much hardship. He was the subject of multiple sexual assault allegations and his reputation suffered greatly as a result.
However, he was also an advocate for sexual equality. He enthusiastically supported the #MeToo movement and stood up for women’s rights even when his own career faced difficulties.
Though charged with drugging and assaulting a woman, he is known for his kind heart and generous spirit. He has dedicated much of his time and resources to aiding those who have been wronged by the system; furthermore, his actions have played an influential role in changing how black people are portrayed in the media.
He is also a dedicated family man. Married to Camille Hanks, he and Camille have five children – four of whom were born to them both. Tragically, Ennis passed away in 1997 while Ensa succumbed to renal disease in February 2018.
Beyonce
Beyonce has long been an outspoken supporter of racial justice and inclusivity, so it’s no shock that she has expressed support for legislation designed to combat racist Karens. The singer, who champions black rights and equality, recently tweeted her thoughts on the topic – affirming her commitment to upholding people’s rights regardless of race or creed.
Beyonce’s remarks come as her latest album, Renaissance, is set for release this week. On this record she pays homage to New Orleans bounce pioneers with songs that draw on their history and culture.
Beyonce’s Renaissance platform not only promotes music, but she also urges people to be proud of their heritage and celebrate it. She wrote in a letter to fans that she’s always strived “to be an artist and create things which have meaning for me, as well as the world.”
On a recent performance abroad, Beyonce charmed an international audience with her powerful yet vulnerable vocals. She even dared to step outside her comfort zone and perform “Lemonade” for an audience of applauding Black fans who praised the superstar’s performance.
As her latest album continues to gain momentum, Beyonce is becoming more engaged in politics. She’s spoken out on issues like gun control and racial justice, among other topics.
Beyonce recently spoke to Vanity Fair about her support of inclusivity and commitment to fighting racism. She has spoken out against discriminatory practices she’s observed in Hollywood and the music industry, calling for an end to “blackface” and affirming that it is necessary in the fight against prejudice.
The singer expressed her disdain for the term “Karen,” which she felt is used as “shorthand” for white women who act badly or claim their rights. Although she wasn’t a feminist, her songs explore dark emotions and themes that are often uncomfortable to discuss.
Karen” is not just an offensive nickname; it can also signify someone with deep-seated racism. People bearing this moniker tend to be entitled, nave and likely to call the police when something goes wrong, thus using their privilege in harmful ways for others.
Kanye West
Kanye West is an accomplished musician, fashion designer and entrepreneur, boasting four distinct talents: producer, rapper, songwriter and record executive. His albums have received critical acclaim and his lyrics have been recorded by artists such as Brandy, Usher and Alicia Keys.
Kanye’s music often incorporates various genres, such as gangsta rap, hip hop, soul, baroque pop, electro, indie rock and synth-pop. He is renowned for his powerful lyrics which often combine humor with religious insights.
In 2004, he released his debut album The College Dropout, which sold millions of copies and was praised by Rolling Stone as a “masterpiece of pop songwriting.” Drawing inspiration from artists such as U2, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, it included humor, religion and political awareness within its lyrics.
Rap star T.I.’s fame and fortune took an unfortunate turn in 2009 when he stormed onstage at the MTV Video Music Awards to interrupt Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech. This incident caused widespread scandal and ultimately resulted in him being removed as CEO of GOOD music, an in-house label he founded alongside Sony BMG.
Since then, he has spread the anti-Semitic message that enslaved African Americans “couldn’t have chosen” to be slaves and continued to promote white supremacist causes on his social media platforms. In July 2018, Adidas, who had previously signed him to a $1.5 billion deal for his services, terminated him due to his offensive remarks and actions.
West has had a profound effect on hip-hop culture and fashion design. His Yeezy line has become an indispensable staple in both fields, while DONDA, founded in 2012, allowed him to further diversify his interests.
For his most recent album, Ye, he collaborated with Kid Cudi and assembled an array of musicians for an intense and unsettling record. At a series of listening parties, he invited industry insiders and celebrities to listen to the new record and discuss its topics.
The rapper has recently returned after being inactive for several months and has had an interesting response to recent events such as the Tristan Thompson-Khloe Kardashian cheating scandal and sexual assault accusations against Russell Simmons. Though he’s known for his provocative statements, it’s easy to overlook how much he cares about his fans in the past. In fact, he has even revealed that he suffers from bipolar disorder, making his recent remarks an attempt to raise awareness regarding mental health.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian is a renowned American television personality, fashion designer, and author (New York Times best-selling “Kardashian Konfidential”). She rose to fame due to her appearance on reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians and for her naughty behavior in 2003 sex video.
She began as a stylist for Paris Hilton but gained international notoriety when an intimate video of her with then-boyfriend Ray J was leaked online in 2007. This release propelled her into fame, leading to multiple reality TV series, endorsement deals, and fitness DVD releases.
Her success also spawned the opening of D-A-S-H boutique with sisters Kourtney and Khloe, which quickly became a must-stop for shoppers looking to splurge on high-end fashion. Since then, there have been additional locations opened in Miami and New York.
She has launched numerous businesses, such as a credit card, beauty line and shapewear line called Skims. Additionally, she frequently speaks at events like Glamour’s Women of the Year Summit, Create & Cultivate and #BlogHer16 conference.
Kardashian has long been an advocate for prison reform. In 2018, she met with President Donald Trump to discuss Alice Marie Johnson’s case, a 62-year-old grandmother serving life in prison for nonviolent drug offenses. After advocating on Johnson’s behalf, Trump granted her clemency.
In May 2019, it was announced that she would become a law student. She has completed an apprenticeship with a San Francisco law firm and plans to take the California bar exam in 2022.
She has long been an advocate for prison reform and has worked behind the scenes to assist incarcerated individuals achieve freedom. Additionally, Kim Kardashian West: The Justice Project, a documentary about this topic, will be released later this year.
Her fortune is comprised of cash from reality-TV and endorsement deals, as well as investments in her companies. Forbes estimates her net worth to be $1 billion, making her one of the world’s wealthiest celebrities.
