Kim Kardashian Fails California Bar Exam, Sparks AI Debate

Kim Kardashian’s pursuit of a legal career has faced another setback. The reality television star announced via Instagram that she did not pass the California Bar Exam she attempted in July 2025. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she revealed that she relied on the generative AI tool ChatGPT for studying and attributed some of her struggles to misleading information provided by the chatbot.

Kardashian’s announcement sparked a wave of reactions across social media. Many users expressed disbelief that a celebrity worth millions would depend on an AI tool to prepare for a demanding professional exam. She framed her failure as motivation to continue her studies, stating on Instagram Stories, “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.”

The online commentary has ranged from ridicule to serious discussions about the responsibilities of public figures in modeling effective study practices. During the Vanity Fair lie detector interview, Kardashian admitted to using ChatGPT for legal questions, noting that “they are always wrong. It has made me fail tests all the time.” Clips from this segment quickly circulated online, drawing attention to her reliance on AI for legal advice.

Kardashian’s journey in legal education is unconventional. Instead of attending law school, she chose an apprenticeship route, successfully passing the First-Year Law Students’ Examination, commonly referred to as the ‘baby bar’, in 2021 after several attempts. Her public advocacy for criminal justice reform has lent her credibility in legal matters, yet the rigorous requirements of the state bar exam remain a significant hurdle.

Legal professionals have long cautioned that generative AI, while useful, can produce incorrect answers if not used carefully. This incident has reignited a broader cultural debate about the role of technology in education and the importance of traditional study methods. Critics have highlighted Kardashian’s admission as a warning against overreliance on AI tools, while supporters argue that her honesty reflects the challenges many students face when integrating new technologies into their study practices.

The California Bar Exam evaluates candidates on their knowledge of legal doctrines, issue-spotting skills, and written advocacy across various subjects. The exam’s pass rates fluctuate significantly, underscoring its role as a high-stakes filter for professional competence. Observers note that while Kardashian’s celebrity status can shine a light on issues of access and reform in the legal system, it does not alter the technical demands of the exam.

Kardashian has committed to continuing her studies and attempting the bar exam again. Her experiences place her in a unique position as both a prominent advocate for criminal justice reform and a case study in how popular culture intersects with emerging educational technologies. This episode raises important questions about study standards, the safe use of AI in education, and the optics of celebrity involvement in serious professions.

Kardashian’s misstep serves as a reminder that professional qualifications require rigorous preparation. It highlights the need for caution when employing new tools and emphasizes that public figures pursuing serious careers will inevitably face scrutiny.