Khloé Kardashian’s relationship struggles with Tristan Thompson have been no secret, and in a recent interview, the reality star shared some raw and emotional insights into the pain and shame she felt during their tumultuous times together.
On the May 5 episode of Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, Khloé candidly admitted how she felt “such shame” when Tristan cheated on her for the second time, especially because she knew better this time around.
Reflecting on her past, Khloé first addressed the infamous 2018 scandal when Tristan was caught cheating while she was just days away from giving birth to their daughter, True. “The first time, I didn’t [make a change],” she confessed. “And that’s okay, because it’s done. And I also had to forgive myself for that. There was a time that I felt very guilty, like, why did I even stay? Why am I not forgiving myself?” Looking back, she realized that she blamed herself for staying, but eventually, she learned to accept that it was part of her journey and growth. Despite the pain, Khloé allowed herself to heal, realizing that she had to be patient with herself.
However, the second betrayal hit harder. This time, Khloé was pregnant via surrogate with their son, Tatum, and hadn’t publicly revealed her pregnancy. “I felt such shame that it was happening again, because I knew better,” she admitted. This scandal unfolded in 2021 when it was revealed that Tristan had fathered a child with another woman. Despite this, Khloé chose to carry on with their second child, a decision that came with immense emotional weight. For Khloé, this was the hardest part, knowing she had the wisdom to prevent it but still finding herself in the same painful situation.
Even though they were no longer a couple, Khloé and Tristan continued to co-parent their children, True and Tatum, and Khloé remained supportive. “I’m not going to close myself off to seeking happiness in the future just because of my past,” she said. “People are always so surprised that I’m not more cynical when it comes to love.” Khloé has openly expressed her hope for a future filled with love, possibly even marriage again. “Marriage is the most beautiful union that there is, and I love that. I love family,” she shared.
Despite all the emotional pain, Khloé believes in growing from each experience. “I probably am more joyful now, especially with love, than maybe five years ago,” she noted. “I feel like I know how to control myself more. Where before, you just gave things so freely. And I love giving love. I love loving myself, loving my family, and loving others. But I feel like I’m a little bit wiser with whom I give it to.” This shift in mindset is what Khloé credits for her newfound joy and strength in relationships.
One of the most poignant moments in the interview came when Khloé revealed that despite not speaking to Tristan after his infidelity, she opened her home to him and his brother, Amari, after their mother, Andrea, passed away in January 2023. Amari, who has a severe form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), needed special living arrangements and care. “Tristan and I were not speaking at this time, but I still offered him a place to stay,” she explained. “Yes, he could have gone to a hotel, but Tristan and Amari both needed to not be isolated. They both lost their mother. Amari needs special living arrangements and caretakers; there’s a lot that comes with Amari.”
Despite the criticism Khloé received for her actions, she stood firm in her decision, saying, “I got so much crap for that. And I’m thinking, ‘You guys think this is weak? I wasn’t speaking to this man 15 minutes ago, and now I’m offering to give my house here’.” For Khloé, this act of kindness wasn’t weakness, it was a sign of her strength and ability to rise above the pain for the sake of her family. “That, to me, takes so much more strength,” she added, reflecting on her ability to remain strong and kind despite everything.
Khloé’s journey of self-healing and growth is inspiring, showing that no matter how many times you fall, there’s always an opportunity to get back up, wiser and stronger than before. Her story proves that love, even after heartbreak, is still worth pursuing, and she remains hopeful about what the future holds.
