Kim Kardashian’s ‘inner circle’ who were flown out to controversial party

Whale swimming, kayaking, cocktails, movie nights and an epic party on the beach that culminated in a swim under the stars, Kim Kardashian went to extreme lengths to throw the birthday bash of the year for her 40th.

In a gushing post, the 'humble' star revealed how she surprised her 'inner circle' by flying them out to a private island for the extravagant festitivies.

Kim admitted that pulling off the stunt reminded her of how privileged she really is in a post that has since been labelled 'tone deaf and incredibly insensitive.'

As outraged fans began to fume that they hadn't even been allowed to attend their relatives funerals in the coronavirus pandemic, Kim pointed out that measures were taken to ensure everyone's safety with her guests quarantining for two weeks and taking multiple health screens before the trip.

Choosing the perfect guest-list for such an adventure had been a tall order but as the pictures from the event reveal, Kim was able to party with a variety of friends from famous faces, ex boyfriends and former employees.

However, there were some very noticeable abscences.

We take a look at who got the call up and who dared turn Kimmy down.

It wouldn't be a Kardashian birthday without the whole klan getting together to join in the fun.

Birthday Girl Kim posed centre stage for a snap alongside sisters Kourtney, Khloe - who was sporting a dramatic new look - and Kendall Jenner.

Rarely seen brother Rob also made an appearance on the trip, sporting his trademark loose-fitting tracksuit and baseball cap despite the tropical setting.

Given his drama with Kim this year, fans had feared Kanye had been snubbed from the private island trip when he didn't make it onto Kim's official birthday post.

However, sis Kourtney put a swift end to the speculation as she shared some cute snaps of her enjoying a walk beside Kanye down a palm tree lined path during a quieter moment of the vacation.

Momager Kris was on hand to oversee the celebrations with her partner of six years Corey Gamble.

The duo were spotted following Kim out to the party, with Kris holding her phone on standby ready to grab those all important action-shots as the festivities unfolded.

Despite her status as a global celebrity, one thing you can say about Kim is that she has never forgotten her roots.

Kim made sure some of her longest friendships -including those forged at high school - were respected at her 40th birthday bash as she handed out golden tickets her teenage chums.

There were also a few famous faces granted passes to the hottest party in town.

Kim invited the likes of Simon Huck and La La Anthony along for the ride.

La La has been been pals with Kim since they started climbing the showbiz ladder together in the early 00s as they respective reality TV careers took off.

These days the pair refer to each other as 'sisters' and have supported each other through their most traumatic times from La La's divorce to Kim's Paris robbery.

PR mogul Simon also dropped by.

Eagle-eyed fans of the Kardashian's reality show will know Simon as a supportive cast member who has appeared on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami, and Kourtney and Kim Take New York after becoming friends with the gang.

Palestinian model Fai Khadra was seen among the lucky few in attendance.

Khadra is actually a close and long-term friend of Kim's sister Kendall Jenner, who introduced him to her extended family.

Kendall and Khadra were rumoured to be dating after they attended Hailey and Baldwin and Justin Beiber's 2018 wedding together, but the pair have insisted they are just good pals.

One person who could use a break on a tropical island this year is the hard-working publicist of Kanye West, Tracy Nyguen Romulus.

Through her dealings with the rapper, Tracy has sparked up a firm friendship with his wife Kim and the duo have become particularly close in recent years after becoming mothers.

The pair were pregnant at the same time and attended each others extravagant baby showers. Now their children enjoy play dates together and are described as 'besties.'

Steph Shep is one member of Kim's inner circle to buck the trend of being frozen out after her work ties with the family stopped.

Steph was fired back in 2017 after working closely with the mogul for four years.

But given her close friendship with Kourtney Kardashian, Steph has continued to hang out with the gang.

Scott Disick was spotted among the gang of party-goers wrapping his arms around 10-year-old son Mason, who he shares with ex partner Kourtney Kardashian.

The couple split in 2018 after ten years of on-off drama and continue to raise there three kids together, with eldest boy Mason being allowed to stay up late for auntie Kim's party.

Despite their chequered history, Scott and Kourtney have continued to remain close, with Scott earning invites to all the Kardashian's big events.

Clad in a lurid floral shirt and shorts combo it was hard to miss Tristan Thompson in Kim's photos.

Some fans might be surprised to see the basketballer on the guest-list given his very public fallout with Kim in the past.

Kim made a show of blocking the sports star on social media when rumours began swirling he had cheated on sister Khloe when she was pregnant with their now two-year-old daughter True.

But after Khloe opted to forgive the love rat her family have gotten on board with the idea of a reconciliation too.

Khloe and Tristan are now rumoured to have got back together romantically though they are yet to confirm the news.

Youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner sisters Kylie was a very notable no-show.

It appears the lip kit decided to snub the event and stayed in Houston, Texas to be with her two-year-old daughter Stormi and ex-boyfriend Travis Scott.

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Kylie JennerKris JennerKim KardashianTravis ScottKendall Jenner