Kim Kardashian is facing backlash after publicly endorsing a stem cell therapy she received in Mexico for chronic pain. The reality star and SKIMS founder took to Instagram to share her experience with a "Muse stem cell treatment" performed by Dr. Adeel Khan at Eterna, a clinic specializing in regenerative medicine. Kardashian claimed the treatment, which is not available in the United States, has been "life-changing" and cured her "debilitating" shoulder pain from a weightlifting injury two years prior. She also stated that she returned to Dr. Khan to address chronic back pain.
Kardashian's endorsement has sparked controversy for several reasons. Firstly, many stem cell therapies remain experimental and have not been approved by the FDA for general use in the U.S.. While some stem cell treatments, like those using blood-forming cells from umbilical cord blood to treat blood disorders, are FDA-approved, the majority are still under investigation. This raises concerns about the safety and efficacy of treatments offered outside the U.S., where regulations may be less stringent.
Secondly, some critics argue that Kardashian's large platform and influence could mislead her followers into seeking unproven and potentially harmful treatments. With a significant impact on her followers, it is crucial to critically evaluate the claims made in her endorsements. It can be misleading to consumers who may be influenced by her endorsements to purchase products that may not deliver the promised results. There is concern that her endorsement could lead people to pursue expensive treatments that don't actually treat anything, and without adequate safety testing, these treatments may instead cause harm.
Thirdly, the lack of transparency regarding the potential risks and benefits of stem cell therapy is a point of contention. While Kardashian encouraged her followers to "do your own homework and talk to medical professionals," the endorsement may not fully convey the experimental nature of the treatment and the potential for adverse effects. The use of certain stem cells may have an anti-inflammatory impact, or even help restore damaged tissues and cartilage, but there isn't enough evidence to show that this kind of approach is both safe and effective.
This isn't the first time Kardashian has faced criticism for her endorsements. She has previously been called out for promoting weight loss products, skincare lines, and even a cryptocurrency without proper disclosure or substantiation. In 2024, she faced legal action for failing to disclose that she had been paid to promote Ethereum Max, a cryptocurrency. A report in 2018 suggested that fashion brands might want to think twice before hiring Kim Kardashian as their spokesperson. The report stated that Kardashian lacks consumer trust and is perceived as risky among consumers.
The controversy surrounding Kardashian's endorsement highlights the ethical considerations for celebrities who promote medical treatments or products. The potential for misleading consumers, the lack of scientific evidence for certain therapies, and the importance of transparency are all factors that contribute to the backlash. As stem cell therapies continue to develop, it is crucial for public figures to exercise caution and responsibility when sharing their experiences.
