Reality Star Turns Viral Criticism Into Clever Marketing
Kim Kardashian is embracing one of her biggest career setbacks with humor in the launch campaign for her new energy drink, Update.
The reality TV star and entrepreneur stars in a tongue-in-cheek commercial released on July 23, where she pokes fun at several viral moments from her career. The ad has quickly gained attention online, especially for a joke about her well-publicized journey toward becoming a lawyer.
In one scene, Kardashian is displayed inside a fictional museum exhibit when renowned American attorney Gloria Allred approaches and asks, “Did she even ever pass the bar?”
Without missing a beat, Kardashian replies, “No, I didn’t pass the bar. I raised it.”
The witty response references Kardashian’s years-long pursuit of a legal career. She passed California’s “baby bar” exam in 2021 after four attempts but has not yet passed the California bar exam. Despite the setback, Kardashian has repeatedly said she remains committed to achieving her goal of becoming a lawyer.
Gloria Allred Makes Memorable Cameo
The commercial’s use of Gloria Allred adds another layer to the joke. The veteran attorney is one of the most respected lawyers in the United States, known for representing clients in high-profile civil rights, employment discrimination and women’s rights cases for decades.
The advert also features Kardashian joking about her busy lifestyle during a mock press conference. Standing behind a podium, she says people often ask how she manages to accomplish so much before revealing, “My energy is just different,” as she introduces the new drink.
The campaign marks the official consumer launch of Update, a functional energy beverage that Kardashian joined as co-founder and partner earlier this year.
A Different Kind of Energy Drink
Unlike many traditional energy drinks, Update is marketed as a zero-sugar, zero-calorie beverage with no artificial flavors or colors.
The company says the drink is powered by paraxanthine, a naturally occurring compound produced when the body breaks down caffeine. According to the brand, this ingredient provides steady energy without the jitters, crashes or sleep disruption often linked to caffeinated drinks.
The launch campaign aims to position Update as a cleaner alternative for people seeking an energy boost while avoiding the side effects commonly associated with caffeine.
Experts Urge Caution
While the drink’s formula has generated interest, health experts say consumers should approach the product with realistic expectations.
According to Healthline, Update contains more than just paraxanthine. It also includes ingredients such as alpha-GPC, which is often promoted for supporting cognitive performance, as well as the artificial sweetener sucralose.
Medical experts advise consulting a healthcare professional before making energy drinks or supplements a regular part of your routine, even when products are marketed as natural.
Nutrition specialists also note that research on paraxanthine is still developing. Although early findings suggest it may offer similar energy-boosting effects to caffeine with fewer side effects, more scientific studies are needed before firm conclusions can be made.
Experts continue to recommend healthy sleep, regular exercise and a balanced diet as the most reliable ways to maintain energy levels.
