5 Reasons Why "Kim, There's People That Are Dying" Is Still The Internet's Favorite Quote

As of December 2025, the phrase "Kim, there's people that are dying" remains one of the most quoted, referenced, and remixed lines in pop culture history, a testament to the enduring power of reality television and the internet's ability to turn a moment of familial friction into a universal meme. This single, deadpan sentence, delivered by Kourtney Kardashian to her sister Kim Kardashian, perfectly encapsulated the surreal contrast between the Kardashian family's ultra-privileged world and the harsh realities faced by the rest of the world, making it a cultural touchstone that is still used daily across social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).

The quote's longevity is rooted not just in its comedic delivery but in its deeper satirical meaning, serving as a shorthand for calling out any perceived overreaction or trivial complaint in the face of genuine global issues. Originating from a dramatic moment on the hit E! series Keeping Up with the Kardashians (KUWTK) over a lost piece of jewelry, the line has transcended its reality TV roots to become a piece of linguistic currency, frequently used to inject a dose of perspective into everyday online discourse.

The Full Story: The Bora Bora Diamond Earring Incident

The iconic moment that launched a thousand memes took place during a family vacation to Bora Bora, French Polynesia, and was featured in Season 6, Episode 12 of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, titled "Kim and Kourtney Take New York." The scene is a masterclass in reality TV drama and is often cited as one of the most memorable moments of the entire series.

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The Context: A Lost $75,000 Earring

The drama began when Kim Kardashian, then engaged to NBA player Kris Humphries, was playfully thrown into the ocean by her fiancé. Emerging from the water, Kim realized that one of her massive, expensive diamond earrings had slipped off and was now lost in the vast Pacific Ocean.

Kim's reaction was immediate and intense, dissolving into an ugly cry and a panicked frenzy over the loss of the diamond stud, which was later estimated to be worth approximately $75,000. Her mother, Kris Jenner, and other family members immediately joined the search, adding to the high-stakes tension of the scene.

The Delivery: Kourtney's Deadpan Response

As Kim continued to sob dramatically, her older sister, Kourtney Kardashian, emerged from their luxury overwater bungalow with her son Mason Disick on her hip. Kourtney, completely unfazed by the commotion, delivered the now-legendary line with a calm, almost bored tone: "Kim, there's people that are dying."

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The contrast between Kim’s devastating loss of a single diamond earring and Kourtney’s cold, hard dose of reality—pointing out that there are far more significant problems in the world—created a moment of unintentional comedic genius. This single line instantly crystallized the public's perception of the Kardashian family’s privileged bubble versus the outside world.

Why "Kim, There's People That Are Dying" Became a Cultural Phenomenon

The quote’s transformation from a reality TV clip into a universal meme and cultural touchstone is a fascinating case study in modern media consumption. Its virality is not accidental; it taps into several key psychological and social dynamics that resonate with a global audience.

• The Privilege Check: The phrase is the ultimate "privilege check." It provides a concise, perfect response to anyone complaining about a minor, first-world problem. Whether it's a slow Wi-Fi connection, a broken nail, or a minor inconvenience, the quote serves as an immediate, humorous reminder of global suffering and true hardship.
• Relatability Through Unrelatability: While the specific scenario—losing a $75,000 earring in a tropical paradise—is entirely unrelatable, the underlying dynamic of a family member minimizing another's overreaction is highly relatable. Kourtney became the voice of the audience, the one person in the scene offering perspective.
• The Perfect Reaction GIF/Meme: The clip of Kourtney's calm, unimpressed face juxtaposed with Kim's crying face became an essential reaction image (GIF). It is easily searchable and deployable on platforms like Giphy, Imgflip, and Tenor, making it a staple for online commentary and digital communication.
• Kardashian Topical Authority: The Kardashian-Jenner family is a powerhouse of pop culture. Their most quotable lines, including "You're doing amazing, sweetie" and "Okurrr," quickly transcend the show itself and become part of the broader cultural lexicon, cementing their place as trendsetters in digital language.

The Enduring Legacy and Modern Relevance of the Quote

Even more than a decade after the episode first aired in 2011, the quote continues to be repurposed and remains highly relevant in 2025. Its use has evolved from a simple reaction to a form of social commentary, proving its enduring power as a piece of digital satire.

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From KUWTK to TikTok and Beyond

In recent years, the quote has found a massive new audience on platforms like TikTok, where users create short-form videos recreating the scene or using the soundbite to mock various situations. Teachers have even been recorded using the phrase in the classroom to manage student complaints, demonstrating its widespread adoption across different social spheres.

The meme's staying power is also evident in official throwbacks. Kourtney Kardashian Barker herself has referenced the moment, and the family frequently acknowledges its iconic status. The quote has been printed on merchandise, used in advertising, and constantly resurfaces during global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other major humanitarian events, when the contrast between celebrity life and global reality becomes particularly stark.

A Symbol of Reality TV's Impact

The "Kim, there's people that are dying" quote is more than just a funny line; it's a symbol of how reality television—specifically the *Keeping Up with the Kardashians* franchise—has influenced modern language and social satire. It functions as a concise moral compass in the digital age, reminding users to maintain perspective. The moment perfectly captures the essence of the show's genius: turning a moment of extreme wealth and vanity into a universally understood joke about overreaction and privilege. The ongoing use of the phrase solidifies its status as the most iconic, enduring, and culturally significant quote to ever emerge from the Kardashian-Jenner universe.