ALMOST two years ago, Caitlyn Jenner - then known as Bruce Jenner - sat down with ABC's Diane Sawyer for a historic interview in which the former Olympic athlete revealed, "For all intents and purposes, I am a woman."
On Tuesday, Caitlyn will release her memoir, "The Secrets of My Life," which chronicles many events throughout her life that led to her decision to transition and what the last two years have been like.
Co-written with journalist Buzz Bissinger, it's an absorbing read that delves into her childhood and Olympic days, as well as her marriages. Given that Caitlyn is currently best known as part of the Kardashians' E! reality-show empire, she offers up lots of details about America's most fame-loving family.
Some of the Kardashian family members aren't thrilled with this development. On Sunday's episode of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," one plot line featured Kris Jenner as she admits that she still has trouble adjusting to Caitlyn's transition, since they were married for 23 years. But she wants to stay friendly with her ex for the sake of the kids (they have two daughters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner), so they occasionally get together. After a scene that shows them getting facials and drinking wine, Caitlyn gives Kris a copy of her memoir.
Cut to: Kris, furious at the way she's portrayed in the book: as a "b---" and an "a----." But her biggest issue is Caitlyn's claim that Kris knew about her gender dysphoria as soon as they started dating in the early 1990s. (Caitlyn writes: "I tell Kris about my gender issues before I make love to her.") Kris denies this and says that everything is "all made up." In the book, Caitlyn acknowledges they remember things differently: "This will always be a subject of dispute between Kris and me as to how much she could intuit about my gender issues. She insists she was taken by surprise by my ultimate transition to Caitlyn."
Kris is angry. "I really tried hard to improve the relationship. ... I've done nothing but open up my home and my heart to a person who doesn't give a s--. So I'm done," she says in the episode. "I've never been so angry and disappointed in somebody in my whole life." Her daughter, Kim Kardashian West, echoes this: "Caitlyn has every right to feel however she feels, but why bring my mom into it one more time?"
While the timing of the episode - two days before the book release - is suspect, it's not surprising that the family would present Caitlyn's book in a negative light. One possible reason? In the memoir, Caitlyn is critical about her experience on the E! series, saying it made her feel irrelevant as Kris became the family's manager and breadwinner. On the show, Bruce was shown as the "well-meaning but confused and helpless father and husband." ("I'm fine with that, because it is largely accurate," Caitlyn writes.)
Caitlyn also prints a letter she received from her aunt who was "disappointed" after the series premiered in 2008. "The implication is that I have sold myself out, willingly destroyed what positive reputation I have left," Caitlyn writes. "Pretty much on the mark." She also writes that all of the money made from the show went straight to Kris, who took complete control of the family's finances.
One particularly telling anecdote reveals that Caitlyn recognized it could be damaging to be associated with the Kardashian brand. During the two-hour ABC special with Sawyer in 2015, Jenner and her sister were interviewed, along with some of her children from previous marriages. However, there wasn't a Kardashian in sight, which seemed like a curious decision; especially since they all posted loving, supportive tweets after the special aired. Caitlyn finally explains why.
"The Kardashian side feels slighted by their noticeable absence. They are right to feel slighted," Caitlyn writes. "They were slighted on purpose because of research showing that anytime a Kardashian is on television, many in the public tend to think it is a publicity stunt to make money."
Well, she's not wrong. "I love my kids, and the last thing on Earth I ever want to do is somehow think I am rejecting them. But because of the research, I needed to build a wall and distance myself for this interview," Caitlyn continues. "It was too important. I would never distance myself emotionally from my family. But after all the time it took to get here, I needed to make clear that this is real, this is my life and not some publicity stunt."
Very true, though also harsh. While any tabloid report that the Kardashians are upset will just drive attention to the book, which may be the real intention, it's easy to imagine that anyone - no matter how famous - would be hurt to find out this is how a family member really feels.
The Washington Post
Wed Apr 26 2017
On Tuesday, Caitlyn will release her memoir, "The Secrets of My Life," which chronicles many events throughout her life that led to her decision to transition and what the last two years have been like. - Filepic
US military plane deporting Indian immigrants lands in India
The Trump administration has increasingly turned to the military to help carry out its immigration agenda.
Trump's Gaza plan for 'Riviera of the Middle East' triggers international condemnation
Countries from Russia, China, Spain, Ireland and the UK say they continue to support the two-state solution.
US Postal Service suspends inbound parcels from China, Hong Kong
Trump's crackdown on de minimis would make the products sold by the likes of Shein and Temu more expensive.
US plan to take over Gaza: Malaysia's stance on Palestine unchanged - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia's stance remains the same as that of other Islamic countries.
US freezes funding for security mission tackling Haiti's gangs
More than $13 million in US funding for an international security force helping fight armed gangs in Haiti has been frozen, the UN says.
Over 40,000 civil servants at high risk of mental health issues - Zaliha
A total of 44,901 civil servants were screened under Public Service Psychological Health Digital Profiling System, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
India's Modi takes 'holy dips' at Maha Kumbh, week after stampede killed dozens
Security personnel stood in the water nearby while thousands of people crowded the banks to watch the prime minister perform the rituals.
Philippine Congress endorses impeachment complaint against vice president
Vice President Sara Duterte would be the Philippines' second most senior official to face removal from office.
What is a sovereign wealth fund?
Sovereign wealth funds are investment vehicles owned by countries.
[COLUMNIST] Rising above Trump tariffs: How a resilient global economy outlasts US protectionism
The current alarm over Trumps tariff threats overlooks a key point: global markets are resilient and adaptable.
Khazanah reports RM5.1 billion operating profit for 2024
Khazanah records RM103.6 billion NAV in 2024, driven by strong domestic investments and strategic growth.
Washington, DC officials identify 66 of 67 victims of midair collision
Work continues by the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove the airplane wreckage from the Potomac River.
Government to further strengthen ASEAN's readiness in finalising DEFA
Malaysia is focusing on two main approaches to facilitate the DEFA negotiation, says Liew Chin Tong.
Trade war will not hinder Malaysia’s GDP growth for 2025 - Rafizi
The finance ministry has projected Malaysia's GDP to grow between 4.5 and 5.5 per cent in 2025.
Trump administration considers adding Shein, Temu to 'forced labor' list, Semafor reports
The move comes after China imposes targeted tariffs on US imports and warnings of possible sanctions against firms like Google.
Thailand to cut power to Myanmar border areas linked to scam centres
Evidence shows transnational crime syndicates in Myanmar's Tachileik, Myawaddy, Payathonzu, that are possible power cut targets.
Trump reimposes 'maximum pressure' on Iran, aims to drive oil exports to zero
Trump signs the presidential memorandum reimposing Washington's tough policy on Iran that was practiced throughout his first term.
FACTBOX: Trump proposes US takeover of Gaza
Here are some remarks that US President Donald Trump made and questions that he answered during a press conference.
Singapore passes law against foreign interference in race-based organisations
Under the Racial Harmony Bill, race-based groups must disclose foreign and anonymous donations, affiliations, and leadership.
Malaysia, Uzbekistan agree to elevate ties to strategic partnership
Malaysia and Uzbekistan noted active cooperation on key issues within international bodies, especially the UN and OIC.