Khloé Kardashian has shared an emotional statement on Instagram in response to controversy over an unedited bikini photo that was shared over the weekend.
Posting on Instagram, Khloe, 36, made a live-stream video to prove to followers that her body hadn't been photoshopped, before sharing a statement explaining she "loves a good filter" and pointing out how she chooses to look is entirely her choice.
"Yes I did a live to show you all this isn't photoshopped," she wrote, before adding: "The photo that was posted this week is beautiful.
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"But as someone who has struggled with body image her whole life when someone takes a photo of you that isn't flattering in bad lighting or doesn't capture your body the way it is after working so hard to get it to this point - and then shares it to the world - you should have every right to ask for it to not be shared - regardless of who you are."
Khloe went on to explain that the pressure she has faced her entire life has been "too much to bear".
"In truth, the pressure, constant ridicule and judgement my entire life to be perfect and to meet other's standards of how I should look has been too much to bear," she said.
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"'Khloe is the fat sister.' 'Khloe is the ugly sister'. 'Her dad must not be her real dad because she looks so different' 'The only way she could have lost that weight must have been from surgery.'
"For over a decade now, in photos, every single flaw and imperfection has been micro-analysed and made fun of to the smallest detail and I am reminded every day by the world.
"Oh, but who cares how she feels because she grew up in a life of privilege. She's also on a reality show so she signed up for all of this. I'm of course not asking for sympathy but I am asking to be acknowledged for being human.
"I'm not going to lie. It's almost unbearable trying to live up to the impossible beauty standards that the public have all set up for me.
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"You never quite get used to being judged and pulled apart and told how attractive one is, but I will say, if you hear anything enough you start to believe it. This is an example of how I have been conditioned to feel, that I am not beautiful enough just being me.
"I love a good filter, good lighting and an edit here and there. The same way I throw on some make up, get my nails done or wear a pair of heels to present myself to the world the way I want to be seen and it's exactly what I will continue to do unapologetically."
You can read the statement in full over on Khloé's Instagram.
The controversy over the photo began earlier this week, when the image of Khloé in a bikini was accidentally shared by a member of her team.
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Tracy Romulus, chief marketing officer for KKW Brands, said in a statement to Page Six: "The color edited photo was taken of Khloé during a private family gathering and posted to social media without permission by mistake by an assistant."
"Khloé looks beautiful but it is within the right of the copyright owner to not want an image not intended to be published taken down."
Ever since, Khloé team have been working to have the image removed from social media, including Reddit.
We think Khloé looks beautiful filter or no filter!
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/Khloé KardashianTopics: Celebrity News, khloe kardashian