Kim Kardashian is opening up about one of her earliest reality TV moments, and she isn't looking back fondly. The SKIMS founder recently admitted that her time competing on Dancing with the Stars back in 2008 left her with lasting emotional scars. In fact, she says the experience "traumatized" her so much that she refuses to watch it today.
According to Yahoo Life, the mother of four didn't hold back when discussing her brief stint on the hit ballroom competition. She revealed that the intense pressure and constant scrutiny took a serious toll on her mental health during that period. "I can't even watch it," she admitted, noting that revisiting those memories is something she actively avoids.
The 2008 Ballroom Pressure
Kardashian was paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas for the seventh season of the ABC series. At the time, she was still building her public profile, years before Keeping Up with the Kardashians turned her family into global superstars. Competing alongside seasoned performers and athletes put her under a microscope she wasn't prepared for.
The intense schedule of rehearsals, live shows, and harsh critiques from the judges proved to be overwhelming. The reality star admitted that the experience was far from the glamorous spotlight she might have expected, stating she would "cry in her trailer every night" during the competition. The physical demands of learning complex choreography combined with the pressure of live television made the environment incredibly stressful.
Why She Won't Revisit the Past
The 46-year-old has become a master of controlling her public narrative, but looking back at her early DWTS days is clearly something she wants to leave in the past. Being eliminated early in the competition (she and Ballas were the third couple sent home) might have been a relief, even if it stung at the time.
It is not uncommon for celebrities to find the reality competition circuit grueling. The long hours and the anxiety of live performances are often glossed over in the final broadcast. For Kardashian, the memory is simply too uncomfortable to revisit. Her admission highlights the often-unseen mental health struggles that come with sudden fame and intense public exposure.
Looking Ahead
Despite the negative memories associated with the ballroom, Kardashian has clearly moved on to much bigger things. Between running her billion-dollar shapewear brand, studying law, and managing her family's busy schedules, she has little time for regrets. However, her candid confession serves as a reminder that even the most polished stars have moments they would rather forget.
Dailendar Editorial Team
Latest verified update: October 17, 2026