Kim Kardashian says she 'totally scammed the system' using Britney Spears' fame, causing uproar

Kardashian pretended to know Spears, told paparazzi that she was visiting the music icon

Kim Kardashian is once again making headlines after candidly admitting she once “totally scammed the system” to get paparazzi attention early in her career — this time by leveraging the presence of Britney Spears. The reality TV star shared the story during a recent podcast appearance, reflecting on how strategic moments helped launch her rise to fame.

Kardashian recalled a time when she and friend Jonathan Cheban noticed paparazzi outside a New York hotel where Spears was staying. Despite not knowing the pop star personally, she said they positioned themselves as if they were visiting her, knowing photographers would assume the same.

The move worked, landing Kardashian in photos that circulated widely and boosted her visibility. “We totally scammed the system,” she said while looking back on the moment.

She also admitted that at the time, fame was something she actively chased, explaining that she “lived for” moments like that early in her career. Her openness about the calculated nature of the tactic has sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising her media savvy and others criticizing the approach as opportunistic.

The resurfaced anecdote has reignited debate about celebrity culture, paparazzi dynamics, and the ethics of fame-building in Hollywood. While opinions remain divided, the story offers another revealing glimpse into how Kardashian strategically navigated her path to becoming a global celebrity.