Kim Kardashian Faces Backlash After Failing California Bar Exam

Kim Kardashian’s quest to become a lawyer has encountered another setback, drawing significant public scrutiny and critique. The reality television star revealed on Instagram that she did not pass the California Bar Exam she took in July 2025. In a subsequent interview with Vanity Fair, Kardashian disclosed that she had relied on the AI tool, ChatGPT, during her studies and attributed some of her struggles to misleading information from the chatbot.

In a candid Instagram post, Kardashian stated, “Well… I am not a lawyer yet, I just play a very well-dressed one on TV. Six years into this law journey, and I am still all in until I pass the bar.” She expressed her intention to use this setback as motivation to continue her studies.

Kardashian’s admission about using AI for legal advice has sparked a polarizing debate. In the Vanity Fair interview, she mentioned that she sometimes photographed questions to input into ChatGPT but found, “They are always wrong. It has made me fail tests all the time.” Clips from this interview circulated widely on social media, leading to a mix of mockery and serious discussions about the implications of celebrity reliance on artificial intelligence in professional settings.

In a notable moment during the interview, co-star Teyana Taylor humorously described Kardashian’s relationship with AI as a toxic “frenemy.” This remark resonated with many viewers, underscoring concerns about overreliance on technology that may not provide accurate guidance.

Legal experts have previously warned that generative AI can yield plausible yet incorrect responses if prompts are not formulated carefully. Critics of Kardashian’s approach argue that her reliance on AI tools reflects a lack of responsible study practices, particularly for someone attempting to qualify for such a demanding profession. Conversely, supporters assert that her experience illustrates the learning curve associated with integrating new technologies into educational routines.

Kardashian’s path to legal qualification has been unconventional. Instead of attending a traditional law school, she has pursued an apprenticeship, successfully passing the First-Year Law Students’ Examination, commonly referred to as the “baby bar,” in 2021 after multiple attempts. Her advocacy work for criminal justice reform has granted her a level of credibility, but the rigorous standards of the state bar exam present a formidable challenge.

Industry observers note that while celebrity involvement can illuminate issues of access and reform in the legal field, it does not diminish the technical requirements necessary to pass the bar exam. The California Bar Exam tests candidates on intricate legal knowledge, issue-spotting abilities, and written advocacy skills across various subjects.

As Kardashian prepares to retake the exam, she remains a contentious figure, balancing her role as a prominent advocate for legal reform with the realities of her educational journey. This incident serves as a reminder that achieving professional qualifications demands thorough mastery of the subject matter. It also raises questions about the appropriate use of technology in education and the responsibilities public figures have when representing serious professional aspirations.

The fallout from this episode may prompt renewed discussions about study practices, the reliability of AI tools, and the expectations surrounding celebrity involvement in serious endeavors. Kardashian’s experience is not just a personal setback; it also reflects broader societal conversations about the intersection of technology and education, particularly in high-stakes environments.