Psychology professionals are discussing whether Kim Kardashian should oversee Kanye West’s interaction with their four children amid his mental health challenges and numerous public controversies, including his frequent anti-Semitic outbursts.
The conversation is at the core of “TMZ Investigates: Kanye West: Unhinged But Unstoppable,” scheduled to air on Fox at 9 p.m. ET on Monday. The program aims to explore whether Kardashian has the authority to restrict West’s contact with their children if she deems it necessary, or if such power should even be granted to her.
Dr. Kevin Cokley, a Psychology Professor at the University of Michigan, shared his perspective in the special, stating, “For Kim, I think that she would try to ensure that her kids comprehend that some of the things their father expresses are inappropriate and unacceptable. You can love him because he is your father, but that doesn’t mean you have to endorse everything he says.”
In recent years, much of the focus on the 46-year-old Grammy winner, who has four children with the 43-year-old reality star, has revolved around his struggles with bipolar disorder and the controversial remarks he has made about Jews and the Black community, leading to setbacks in his career.
Kardashian has previously become emotional when discussing co-parenting with her polarizing ex-husband and the extra steps she takes to protect their children from negativity.
During an appearance on the “Angie Martinez IRL” podcast in late 2022, Kardashian revealed, “I definitely protected him — and I still will — in the eyes of my kids, for my kids. So in my home, my kids don’t know anything that goes on in the outside world.”
Despite her efforts, Kardashian acknowledged the challenges of maintaining this shield.
“It’s really challenging,” Kardashian admitted. “But if they don’t know things that are being said … why would I ever bring that energy to them? That’s like real heavy, heavy grown-up stuff that they’re not ready to deal with.”
Nevertheless, Dr. Kyle Smith, a psychiatrist based in Los Angeles, noted in the TMZ special that it is impossible to shield children from everything. He emphasized that unless Kanye engages in extreme behaviors endangering the children, there are limitations to what the law or a spouse can enforce.
Dr. Smith highlighted the unrealistic expectation of raising children in a perfect environment when a high-profile figure like Kim Kardashian is married to someone as unpredictable as Kanye West. He emphasized that Kanye’s flamboyant and erratic nature is not a flaw but a defining characteristic, and the repercussions must be accepted when things go off track.
The divorce settlement between Kardashian and the “Stronger” rapper was finalized in November 2022, outlining the shared custody of their children. However, as per TMZ, the agreement specifies that in cases where decisions need to be made and one parent is unable to do so, the other parent assumes authority.