The phrase “the devil works hard but Kris Jenner works harder” encapsulates the relentless and strategic approach Kris Jenner employs to keep the Kardashian-Jenner family in the limelight. As the momager of six, she has orchestrated a multi-billion-dollar empire through savvy media manipulation and high-profile relationships, often at the expense of the men involved with her daughters. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Kardashian curse,” has seemingly left many men worse off after their association with the family.

One of the most notable examples is Ray J. In 1997, at just 16 years old, Ray J was an up-and-coming R&B sensation, achieving mainstream success with hits like “Let It Go” and “Wait a Minute.” He also pursued acting, securing roles in popular sitcoms. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he began dating Kim Kardashian in 2003. During their relationship, they made an explicit tape that later became the infamous “Kim Kardashian Superstar,” which catapulted Kim into the spotlight while casting Ray J in a negative light. Although the initial scandal temporarily boosted his career, Ray J’s legacy has since been overshadowed by his association with the tape and the Kardashians.

Similarly, Reggie Bush, a dominant college football player and Heisman Trophy winner, experienced the Kardashian effect. Reggie’s high-profile relationship with Kim Kardashian was prominently featured in the early seasons of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” Despite their apparent love, the pressures of public scrutiny and their demanding careers led to their breakup. The relationship and subsequent breakup were heavily exploited for TV content, often painting Reggie in a less favorable light and emphasizing Kim’s resilience and success.

Lamar Odom’s story is perhaps the most tragic. A talented NBA player, Lamar’s life spiraled downward after his whirlwind romance and marriage to Khloe Kardashian. The couple’s relationship, heavily documented on their reality show, eventually unraveled due to Lamar’s struggles with substance abuse and personal issues. His public breakdowns and near-fatal overdose in 2015 were extensively covered by the media, furthering the narrative of the “Kardashian curse.”

These examples illustrate how the Kardashians have leveraged their relationships to maintain their media dominance. The men involved often become collateral damage in the family’s quest for fame and fortune. While Kris Jenner’s strategy has undeniably built an empire, it has also left a trail of personal and professional wreckage in its wake, perpetuating the notion that the devil may work hard, but Kris Jenner works harder.