Get All Access for $5/mo

Kim Kardashian Slammed With Labor Violation Lawsuit by Former Employees Seven employees are claiming they worked for the star's estate without overtime pay, among other allegations.

By Emily Rella

NBC | Getty Images

Looks like Kim Kardashian hasn't exactly been "Keeping Up' with labor laws, according to a new lawsuit filed against the recently-crowned billionaire.

Seven former maintenance workers are claiming that the reality star withheld taxes from their paychecks without disclosing so to the government, among other violations of worker rights, the lawsuit alleges.

Among these claims are accusations of irregular pay periods, not being paid for overtime work, working without breaks, incomplete payments after termination and no reimbursement of employment funds used.

Related: Kim Kardashian West Joins Estranged Husband Kanye West on Billionaires List

The employees filing the suit, who worked at Kardashian's $60 million mansion in Hidden Hills, are listed as brothers Andrew and Christopher Ramirez, Christopher's son Andrew Jr., Aron Cabrea, Jesse Fernandez, Rene Ernesto Flores and Robert Araiza.

Ironically, the lawyer working on behalf of the plaintiffs is Frank Kim, the same lawyer that is currently representing a group of former workers in a labor suit against Kardashian's soon-to-be ex-husband Kanye West.

Related: The Secret That Luxury Influencers Know About Scaling Down Your Market for Bigger Impact

Kardahsian's camp, however, is disputing the allegations in claiming that the gardeners and maintenance workers employed at her house are hired and regulated through a third-party vendor.

"These workers were hired and paid through a third-party vendor hired by Kim to provide ongoing services," a representative for the star told Page Six. "Kim is not party to the agreement made between the vendor and their workers, therefore she is not responsible for how the vendor manages their business and the agreements they have made directly with their staff."

The suit also alleges that an underage worker was "made to work far past the 48 maximum allowable hours for an underage summer employee."

Kardashian herself is currently studying to become a lawyer, as documented through her social media accounts and most recent season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

In a preview for an upcoming episode, the star confesses to failing the baby bar exam.

"If you are doing law school the way I'm doing it, it is a four-year program instead of your typical three-year program," she explains in the clip. "And after year one, you have to take the baby bar. This was actually harder, I hear, than the official bar."

Kardashian has yet to comment on the lawsuit.

Related: Don't Underestimate the Power of Public Relations Amid COVID-19

Emily Rella

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Branding

ChatGPT is Becoming More Human-Like. Here's How The Tool is Getting Smarter at Replicating Your Voice, Brand and Personality.

AI can be instrumental in building your brand and boosting awareness, but the right approach is critical. A custom GPT delivers tailored collateral based on your ethos, personality and unique positioning factors.

Business News

Apple Reportedly Isn't Paying OpenAI to Use ChatGPT in iPhones

The next big iPhone update brings ChatGPT directly to Apple devices.

Business News

Is the AI Industry Consolidating? Hugging Face CEO Says More AI Entrepreneurs Are Looking to Be Acquired

Clément Delangue, the CEO of Hugging Face, a $4.5 billion startup, says he gets at least 10 acquisition requests a week and it's "increased quite a lot."

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Sony Pictures Entertainment Purchases Struggling, Cult-Favorite Movie Theater Chain

Alamo Drafthouse originally emerged from bankruptcy in June 2021.

Business News

You Can Now Apply to Renew Your U.S. Passport Online — But There's a Catch

The U.S. State Department officially launched the beta program this week.