Kim Kardashian has once again dominated headlines—but this time, it’s not for a product launch or fashion statement. Instead, it’s a ‘Christmas music video’ that has ignited a firestorm of reactions across the internet. Released just before Christmas, Kardashian’s version of “Santa Baby” has left viewers stunned, perplexed, and in some cases, horrified.
The four-minute video, which marks Kardashian’s first musical release in over a decade, has quickly become one of the most talked-about moments of the holiday season. Featuring Macaulay Culkin as Santa Clause, produced by her brother-in-law Travis Barker and released in partnership with his DTA Records and Columbia Records, the video features Kardashian’s soft, breathy vocals paired with the classic holiday tune originally made famous by Eartha Kitt in 1953.
However, it’s the visuals that have truly captured attention. Directed by Nadia Lee Cohen and Charlie Denis, the video adopts a “found footage” style and is filled with unsettling and bizarre imagery. Kardashian, dressed in platinum blonde hair, is seen crawling through a chaotic house party. As the camera follows her, viewers encounter a series of strange, Christmas-themed vignettes: from sharply dressed men engaged in a heated phone conversation, possibly over gambling; elves, one munching on food while the other dozes off; a plumber diligently working beneath a sink; models caught up in a game of Twister; a cheerleader strutting her stuff; a live donkey accompanied by the Virgin Mary; teenagers enjoying a game of ball and playfully tussling; Jesus curiously peering into a fridge; an electrician tangled in cables, leaving us unsure if he’s fixing something or simply fascinated by electricity; an older model striking a pose on a table; an elderly woman meticulously trimming a Christmas tree with clippers; three individuals on a couch—a well-dressed woman, a young man napping, and a middle-aged man counting a hefty stack of cash; two men gathered around a fire bin; three choristers singing in their church attire; a young man lounging on the carpet while smoking, alongside a woman in a swimsuit swimming in a small, stationary fish tank; two elderly women engrossed in a TV show; a man giving a boy a haircut; a bodybuilder proudly flexing his muscles; businessmen interacting with a reindeer mascot; three dwarfs dressed as Santa packing bags filled with money; a woman cleaning the floor while $100 bills flutter around her; a hypnotized nun lying flat on her back; a man shivering from the cold; someone standing at a glass door wearing a doll’s mask; and a group of men caught up in a gambling game.. At the end of the video, Kardashian finds “Santa,” who is revealed to be none other than Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin, wearing a Santa suit and offering a chilling smirk.
While the video’s bizarre content has caused some to scratch their heads, others have gone as far as labeling it “demonic” or “satanic.” Some have pointed to the presence of religious figures, like an actor playing Jesus, suggesting that Kardashian is making a statement about her own spiritual journey—or lack thereof (Claims/Ideologies stated here are unverified, unproven and mere views of the public). One theory circulating on social media is that the video represents Kardashian crawling through a corrupt world, symbolizing the struggles of childhood manipulation. Others have criticized the video as a blatant attempt to create controversy and spark conversation without any deeper meaning (Claims/Ideologies stated here are unverified, unproven and mere views of the public).
Much of the creative vision in the music video might not have originated from Kim but instead from Lee Cohen. In 2019, Lee Cohen took on the role of Danny Trejo’s girlfriend in the film Black Licorice. Her body of work encompasses modeling and directing music videos, including projects for Mac DeMarco and The Garden for Thy Mission, A$AP Rocky for Babushka Boi, and Maison Margiela for My Mutiny (due to the level of nudity in the video we will not place the video clip on our platform). Additionally, she was featured in Playboy in a piece titled Once a playmate, always a playmate.
In an interview with Dazed, she was asked, “How do you think your photography and your wider artistic practice have evolved since then?
Nadia Lee Cohen: Matured perhaps? I don’t know, I’m more selective of the projects I take on and definitely more wary of what I put out. The only way I can equate that with any kind of maturity is knowing that if something doesn’t initially sit right then I should probably ditch it. I used to persuade myself into liking an image when my gut knew there was something wrong with it. I envy artists from the pre-internet era, who were able to hide their old work in a drawer or a shed or, even better, burn it.”
Another interview with Hypebeast, she was asked, “Is there a particular subject or theme that interests you at the moment?Anything that looks great and is cheaply made, grindhouse style. It’s so impressive when something beautiful can be created out of nothing, that’s real talent. Brian De Palma once said in an interview that ‘visual storytelling has gone out of the window’. He was referring to the dark digital movies made today and how the narrative seems to have overridden the visuals. I’m interested in noticing artists who push against this and bring back the importance of visuals to their work”
The reactions to the video have been a mix of shock, confusion, and intrigue. Some viewers have hailed it as a bold and creative piece of art, while others feel it’s a step too far for someone who has long been a staple of mainstream media. The involvement of religious imagery—combined with the raunchy and surreal scenes—has left many wondering if Kardashian, a mother of four, has crossed a line.
On the other hand, some have shrugged off the video’s strange content, arguing that it’s simply Kardashian’s way of getting people talking, which she has done time and again throughout her career. After all, controversy has long been part of the Kardashian brand, from her infamous 2007 tape to her family’s long-running reality show (Claims/Ideologies stated here are unverified, unproven and views of the public).
Will this latest stunt damage Kim Kardashian’s carefully curated image? The answer remains unclear. For over 20 years, the Kardashian-Jenner family has built a multimillion-dollar empire on the foundation of controversy and entertainment. Whether this music video will help or hurt her brand in the long term is still up for debate.
Another reason for the music video firestorm may have been an attempt to divert attention from her business woes. According to Axios, two days ago, it was revealed that Kardashian was no longer involved in managing SKKY Partners, the private equity firm she co-founded in 2022. New regulatory filings and the firm’s website confirm her departure from an executive role.
The bigger picture: Despite Kardashian’s fame and the success of her clothing brand, Skims, her star power didn’t translate into the fundraising success SKKY Partners had hoped for. The firm, launched with former Carlyle Group dealmaker Jay Sammons, aimed to raise at least $1 billion to acquire consumer companies. However, by April, it had secured only $121 million and completed just one deal, acquiring hot sauce maker Truff.
This week, SKKY disclosed in securities filings that it had raised only a few million more for its flagship fund, and that Kardashian is no longer listed as an executive officer. The firm’s website now describes her as a “co-founder and senior operating advisor,” a shift from her previous title as managing partner alongside Sammons. Additionally, Kardashian’s mother, Kris Jenner, who was once listed as a senior advisor, has been entirely removed from the site.
As the video continues to gain traction online, one thing is certain: Kim Kardashian knows how to make a splash. Whether her “Santa Baby” video is viewed as a creative masterpiece or a bizarre misstep, it’s definitely making waves.
What do you think? Is it artistic genius or a step too far? Leave a comment below and subscribe for more updates!
