For over a decade, the sight of Kim Kardashian and her inseparable best friend Jonathan Cheban was a staple of reality television. From the high-stakes drama of Keeping Up With the Kardashians to the glitz of New York and Miami spin-offs, Cheban was the permanent fixture in Kim’s inner circle. However, as the family transitioned to their new Hulu series, The Kardashians, fans noticed a glaring absence. The silence sparked a wildfire of speculation: Had a Kim Kardashian Jonathan Cheban feud finally ended one of Hollywood’s most resilient friendships?
The rumors reached a fever pitch in 2024, as social media detectives pointed to the lack of public appearances and the "unfollowing" culture that often signals a celebrity rift. But at the recent Vulture Reality Masterminds event in New York City, the man now legally known as Foodgod finally broke his silence, offering a rare glimpse into the current state of his relationship with the SKIMS founder.
Are Kim Kardashian and Jonathan Cheban still friends?
Yes, Kim Kardashian and Jonathan Cheban remain close friends in 2024. While they no longer appear together on screen frequently, Cheban confirmed in May 2024 that they "speak all the time" and had communicated just two days prior. Both stars attribute their lack of public outings to geographic distance and Kim’s demanding schedule as a mother of four.
Jonathan Cheban Breaks Silence: "I Spoke to Kim Two Days Ago"
Addressing the audience at the inaugural Reality Masterminds Celebration on May 7, 2024, Cheban was quick to dismantle the narrative of a falling out. Despite the lack of recent paparazzi photos, the 53-year-old influencer clarified that their bond remains intact, even if it has moved off-camera.
“I don’t really get in the group chats,” Cheban admitted when asked about his standing with the broader Kardashian-Jenner clan. “But I spoke to Kim literally two days ago.” He emphasized that the perceived distance is a matter of logistics rather than animosity. While the Kardashians are firmly rooted in Calabasas and Los Angeles, Cheban has split his life between Miami and New York, focusing on his burgeoning culinary empire.
The geographic divide is compounded by Kim’s relentless travel schedule. Cheban noted that their paths often cross in the air rather than on the ground. “She’s like, ‘I’m back in LA.’ I’m like, ‘We just got to New York,’” he explained. “She goes, ‘I went to LA for North and then I came right back.’” This "ships in the night" dynamic has led many to assume a Kim Kardashian Jonathan Cheban feud was brewing, when in reality, it was simply the byproduct of two global brands moving in different directions.
Why Foodgod is Missing from 'The Kardashians' on Hulu
One of the biggest questions from the fanbase is why a Keeping Up With the Kardashians veteran—who appeared in well over 100 episodes and nearly every major spin-off—is suddenly absent from the Hulu iteration of the show. The transition from E! to Hulu marked a tonal shift for the family, moving toward a more documentary-style aesthetic that focuses heavily on the core sisters and their immediate business ventures.
During his tenure on E!, Cheban was often the "voice of the fan," providing a sounding board for Kim during her most turbulent years, including her marriage to and subsequent divorce from Kanye West. However, since his Jonathan Cheban legal name change to "Foodgod" in 2019, his personal brand has evolved. He is no longer just "Kim’s best friend"; he is a Foodgod influencer with a massive digital footprint of his own.
Cheban hinted that his absence isn't necessarily permanent but rather a pause while he catches the "reality TV bug" again. He expressed a desire to return to the screen, though perhaps in a different capacity. “I’m ready to get back on reality TV. I love Villains, I love Traitors, and I love Big Brother,” he remarked, referencing his past stint on Celebrity Big Brother UK. While he hasn't been a series regular on The Kardashians, the door remains open for a nostalgic cameo that would satisfy long-term viewers.
Kim Kardashian's Perspective: Parenting and Maintaining Friendships
Kim Kardashian has also addressed the rumors surrounding her inner circle. In a candid conversation on the Khloe in Wonder Land podcast, she defended her friendship with Cheban, citing the "stage of life" she currently occupies. With four children—North West, Saint West, Chicago West, and Psalm West—her social bandwidth has naturally shifted.
“Jonathan and I are good. Here’s the thing. I had kids and it’s really hard to maintain friendships when you have kids and you’re like in it. And Jonathan’s not going to come and sit around Calabasas all day, he’s like always on the move,” Kim explained.
This sentiment highlights a common evolution in celebrity friendships. As Kim manages a multi-billion dollar empire and the complexities of co-parenting, the "hangout" culture of her 20s and 30s has been replaced by scheduled calls and business-oriented interactions. Industry experts suggest that the "feud" rumors actually serve both brands by keeping their names in the headlines, though in this case, the defense of the friendship seems genuine rather than a PR stunt.
A 14-Year History: The Evolution of the Kim and Jonathan Friendship
To understand why the public is so invested in a potential Kim Kardashian Jonathan Cheban feud, one must look at the sheer longevity of their partnership. Their history predates the peak of the Kardashian era, beginning in the late 2000s when Cheban was a publicist and Kim was a rising star.
- 2010: The Spin Crowd – Kim produced this PR-focused reality show starring Cheban and Simon Huck, cementing their professional and personal bond.
- 2011-2015: The KUWTK Staples – Cheban became the most frequent guest star, appearing in iconic episodes like "Kim’s Fairytale Wedding" and the various Miami and New York spin-offs.
- 2019: The Foodgod Rebrand – With Kim’s public support, Jonathan legally changed his name to Foodgod, transitioning from a PR professional to a culinary personality.
- 2021: The End of an Era – As Keeping Up With the Kardashians concluded on E!, Cheban began focusing more on his Foodgod brand evolution.
- 2024: The "Busy" Besties – Despite the lack of screen time together, they continue to support each other’s milestones, with Cheban recently mentioning he saw Kris Jenner just weeks ago.
Fact vs. Fiction: Debunking the Rift Rumors
The internet is a breeding ground for speculation, especially when it comes to the Kardashian "Inner Circle." Over the years, we have seen members like Larsa Pippen or various stylists phased out, leading fans to assume Cheban was next. However, the data suggests otherwise.
| Rumor | The Reality |
|---|---|
| They unfollowed each other on Instagram. | Fiction. They still follow each other and occasionally interact with posts. |
| Jonathan was banned from the Hulu show. | Fiction. The show's focus has shifted to the family's internal business, leaving less room for "friend" subplots. |
| They don't speak anymore. | Fiction. Cheban confirmed they spoke as recently as May 2024. |
| Distance has strained the bond. | Fact. Both admit that living on opposite coasts makes physical meetups rare. |
The Foodgod Brand: Jonathan’s Life Beyond the Kardashians
A significant factor in the changing dynamic is Jonathan Cheban's business ventures in 2024. No longer content with being the "sidekick," Cheban has built a legitimate career as a digital creator. His Foodgod persona has garnered millions of followers, focusing on over-the-top culinary experiences and luxury travel. This Foodgod brand evolution required him to step out of the Kardashian shadow to establish his own authority in the food space.
His influencer growth metrics show a steady climb, independent of his appearances on The Kardashians. By diversifying his portfolio—including restaurant partnerships and digital content—he has ensured his relevance persists even when he isn't featured on the world's most famous reality show. This independence is likely why the friendship has survived; unlike many who rely on the Kardashians for a paycheck, Cheban has his own "vibe."
Key Takeaways
- No Active Feud: Both Jonathan Cheban and Kim Kardashian have explicitly denied rumors of a rift in 2024.
- Logistical Challenges: The primary reason for their lack of public appearances is the geographic distance between Miami/NYC and Los Angeles.
- Parenting Priorities: Kim’s role as a mother of four has significantly limited her time for social outings with friends who live "on the move."
- Brand Independence: Cheban’s focus on his Foodgod brand has taken him away from the reality TV spotlight, though he is open to a comeback.
- Ongoing Support: Cheban remains in contact with the wider family, including Kris Jenner, proving he is still very much a part of their extended circle.
Conclusion: The Future of a Hollywood Friendship
In the world of celebrity friendship maintenance, the bond between Kim Kardashian and Jonathan Cheban is an anomaly. While most reality TV friendships burn out within a few seasons, theirs has survived legal name changes, marriages, divorces, and a complete network transition. While we may not see them eating salads in Calabasas every week on Hulu, the evidence suggests that the Kim Kardashian Jonathan Cheban feud is nothing more than a myth born of fan nostalgia.
As Cheban eyes a potential return to the reality TV arena in shows like The Traitors, and Kim continues to expand the SKIMS empire, their paths will undoubtedly cross again—likely in the front row of a fashion show or a viral TikTok in a New York eatery. For now, fans can rest assured: the Foodgod and the Queen of Reality TV are still very much "good."
