Malika Haqq has stepped up to defend her close friend Khloé Kardashian amidst a wave of online criticism aimed at the reality TV star. The backlash came after Khloé shared anecdotes about her son Tatum’s playful antics during a kindergarten graduation event for Haqq’s son, Ace.
In a recent podcast episode, Khloé recounted a hectic scenario involving her spirited 3-year-old. She mentioned that Tatum had been resistant to attending the graduation celebration and had even humorously warned her of his intentions to “create chaos.”
Khloé described how Tatum lived up to his playful promise, knocking over a balloon display, splashing water from a fountain, grabbing candy, snatching coloring books, and darting around the party venue. Eventually, Khloé decided to call in a nanny to help manage the situation.
As snippets of Khloé’s podcast circulated online, some social media users criticized her, suggesting she allowed Tatum to disturb the celebration. In response, Malika Haqq took to social media to address the controversy directly, defending her friend and setting the record straight.
“The suggestion that Khloé’s son somehow ruined my son’s graduation festivities is completely unfounded,” Malika asserted in a video message, dispelling the rumors with clarity and support for her friend.
“This new narrative that her child in some way ruined my son’s graduation party could not be further from the truth,” Malika began.
“My son’s party was amazing from start to finish. Khloé shared a vulnerable moment as a parent, letting you guys know that her very bright little boy walks in with conviction about not wanting to be there because it just was not his day,” she continued.
Malika explained that Khloé still encouraged Tatum to support Ace despite his mood.
“But his mother made him honor and support Ace, and he said he was gonna be destructive,” she said. “The reason why he wasn’t destructive in completion is because his mother was watching him and she stopped him.”
She also reminded viewers that Tatum is just a child.
“We are talking about a three-year-old little boy, you guys. He’s a toddler. He’s learning. His mother is raising him and paying attention.”
While making it clear she was not speaking on Khloé’s behalf, Malika defended her nephew and pushed back on the criticism surrounding the situation.
“I am not in a position to defend her, but I always defend my kids,” she said. “My nephew is straight. He didn’t do anything wrong. We had a wonderful time.”
Malika ended the message by encouraging people to stop creating negative narratives around children.
“And I’m wishing you guys a healthier narrative when it comes to other people’s kids,” she added. “And just know, we’re good. We got this.”