Khloe Kardashian gets defensive after People interview about Odom garners criticism

Khloe Kardashian candidly revealed details about the whirlwind that followed husband Lamar Odom’s health scare earlier this month, including why she rushed to his bedside, called off their long-delayed divorce and put her relationship with NBA star James Harden on hold.

After her People cover and interview went viral — and garnered criticism that accused the reality star of capitalizing on her husband’s tragedy — Kardashian took to Twitter to address naysayers for thinking the worst of her. More on that in a bit ...

The “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” star, who wed Odom in September 2009 after only a month of dating, set tongues wagging when she ended her protracted divorce proceedings with him after he was found unresponsive at a Nevada brothel on Oct. 13. The 31-year-old accompanied him from Las Vegas to seek treatment is Los Angeles and has been steadfastly by his side at the hospital.

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Kardashian filed for divorce in December 2013 following numerous rumors alleging that Odom had been unfaithful and heavily into drugs. Having the divorce dismissed hinted at signs of reconciliation. However, the reality star assured the magazine that just because the divorce is off, doesn’t mean their relationship is back on.

“It’s out in the media that we are back together, but I wish people understood that’s not in our thought process right now,” Kardashian told People.

“There are too many other important things, too many medical things. It’s not even in our brains thinking about us as a couple or having a relationship right now.”

The “Strong Looks Better Naked” author added that their current relationship is “not anything sexual or intimate.”

“I want to be his support system. Tragedy does make you reassess a lot of things, but when it comes to our relationship, it’s the same, except I’m here supporting him fully.”

She noted that she’s in “no rush” to finalize the divorce either.

The former NBA star’s plight has been magnified in the media, and though his family said that his recovery has been miraculous, Kardashian said that “every four hours is different,” with the athlete having frequent ups and downs.

In the midst of all this is Harden, the Houston Rockets star who was publicly dating Kardashian before the ordeal began. While Harden has been supportive of Kardashian and Odom, his relationship with the E! star has been benched during Odom’s recovery.

“It’s just bad timing to proceed with that right now. And also for medical reasons, it’s just smarter that gets on hold for a minute,” Kardashian said. “But that does not mean I’m back with Lamar. That’s a whole other thing that only time will tell. I can’t tell you what tomorrow brings.”

The fashionista said that Harden has been great with her and she’s “just allowing everything to unfold.” She also noted that she understands if her current situation gets too overwhelming for Harden.

Kardashian’s full interview hits newsstands Friday, but excerpts from it were published Wednesday, including People’s promotional cover image featuring the starlet. Followers attacked the reality star for doing the interview, which prompted Kardashian to go on the defensive in a series of tweets and give context to her actions.

“I want to make this VERY clear. ... My people cover, I shot and interviewed for PRIOR to all the events that happened,” she began. “It was contracted press for my book that I wrote months and months ago. Timing is what it is.”

“Shame on you all for thinking the worst of me. It’s been a tough few weeks. I don’t need your [expletive] up energy!” she continued. “Know the facts before you throw stones.”

The E! personality explained that her timely quotes were yielded from a five-minute phone interview that took place recently only because she was contractually obligated to do it. She also mentioned again that she canceled her book tour last week to “avoid this attention.”

“To the ones who uplift and send love. ... I love you more! I appreciate the support. Have a great day babies! Kisses and hugs,” she concluded.

Follow me on Twitter @NardineSaad.

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