Kim Kardashian faces backlash over ‘tone deaf’ tweets as she jets off for 40th

Kim Kardashian has found herself at the heart of a controversy over a number of "tone-deaf" tweets.

Reality star and businesswoman Kim, who recently turned 40, has jetted out with her family and friends to a tropical island to mark the milestone.

And amid the celebrations, Kim took the time to share that she felt "humbled and blessed", and to thank her nearest and dearest "who have helped shaped me into the woman I am today."

Alongside a string of snaps from the luxe retreat, Kim gushed about how lucky she felt to be able to get away on holiday with loved ones amid the pandemic.

"Before COVID, I don't think any of us truly appreciated what a simple luxury it was to be able to travel and be together with family and friends in a safe environment," she penned.

"After 2 weeks of multiple health screens and asking everyone to quarantine, I surprised my closest inner circle with a trip to a private island where we could pretend things were normal just for a brief moment in time.

"We danced, rode bikes, swam near whales, kayaked, watched a movie on the beach and so much more. I realize that for most people, this is something that is so far out of reach right now, so in moments like these, I am humbly reminded of how privileged my life is. #thisis40."

Many fans took to the comments praising Kim for recognising her privilege - while others hit out at the star over the "disgustingly tone deaf" tweets.

Kim's critics particularly focused on the US death toll during the pandemic, now at around 226,000, while others lamented the non-essential travel ban in California.

The ban does not apply to Kim after her guests quarantined and used a private plane.

"Cool, people have had to say goodbye to loved ones over the phone while they died alone in a hospital. but neat trip to post all over social media while the world suffers. so humble and so down to earth, truly," one disgruntled tweeter scolded.

Meanwhile, British musician Peter Frampton waded in: "Are you that insensitive you don't realize this is not what the majority of people during the worst covid spike yet want to hear? People are going to food banks not private islands."

Another wrote: "It's not a good look to share gleeful news like this while people are struggling and dying. Look at me, I'm crazy rich, can get tested everyday, fly my friends to private islands and pretend the hell you’re living in doesn't exist. Oh, wait, it doesn't for me. I'm rich!"

A fourth penned: "Kim this might be the most tone deaf thing you've ever posted. People are dying, losing their incomes and starving right now."

But others jumped to Kim's defence, one offering: "that's supposed to stop her from having a birthday party why? it's not like there's a bunch of strangers there."

Another chimed in: "1) She didn't put anyone at risk (Everyone was tested and quarantined) 2) By having her birthday party, she helped spend money on the economy Live and let live. Her activities didn't put anyone in danger. P.S: I'm not a Kardashian fan at all and despise reality TV."

A third shared a heart emoji and gushed: "Love you Kim, you deserve everything."

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