Despite more than a decade passing since their very public legal battle, Kim and Khloe Kardashian have subtly indicated that lingering tension remains between them and their late father Robert Kardashian’s widow, Ellen Pearson.

Kim and Khloe Kardashian revealed there is still tension with Ellen Pierson, a woman was briefly married to their father Robert Kardashian Sr; Khloe, Kourtney, Robert Sr, Kim and Robert Jr pictured

The sisters recently stirred curiosity among their extensive fan base when subtle hints surfaced via social media and public statements, reigniting interest in a feud many assumed had been laid to rest years ago.

The controversy originally erupted back in 2013 when Ellen Pearson, the third wife of the late Robert Kardashian Sr., filed a lawsuit against Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, and their mother Kris Jenner.

Pearson accused the famous family of defamation, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress after they accused her publicly of selling private information and family keepsakes to media outlets.

At that time, the Kardashians vigorously denied any wrongdoing, countering Pearson’s claims by asserting that she had unlawfully sold and disseminated excerpts from their father’s personal journals, as well as rare family photos.

The legal battle became especially heated and publicly contentious, leading to considerable media coverage.

Ellen Pearson insisted that the Kardashians had wrongfully accused her of exploiting their late father’s legacy. Meanwhile, the Kardashian family aggressively defended their position, stating that Pearson had violated their privacy and their father’s memory.

After significant back-and-forth, the lawsuit was eventually settled out of court, with both parties seemingly willing to move forward quietly, leaving fans and observers to assume that the feud had been resolved amicably.

Kim was telling Khloe about a dream she had about their father and that he was alive and living in Los Angeles with 'Ellen' - noting that in the dream he was hiding from them

However, recent statements by Kim and Khloe Kardashian suggest the wounds from that bitter legal tussle remain surprisingly fresh.

In an episode of Hulu’s reality series The Kardashians, the sisters casually revisited the topic during a reflective conversation about their father and his legacy.

While discussing family heirlooms and memorabilia, Kim cryptically remarked on the difficulty and heartache caused when items are sold or shared without permission.

Khloe echoed her sister’s sentiment, noting how painful it was to see their father’s private thoughts and intimate family memories become public fodder.

Although neither sister explicitly mentioned Ellen Pearson by name, the context of their comments was clear enough to fans familiar with the family’s past drama.

The Kardashians’ subtle yet pointed remarks quickly sparked renewed speculation among fans and followers across social media platforms.

Many longtime viewers were quick to connect the dots, prompting online discussions and debates about the nature of the ongoing tensions.

The sisters’ willingness to speak publicly about past grievances, even in vague terms, indicates that the emotional scars from Pearson’s actions remain unresolved despite the passage of significant time.

Kim was telling Khloe about a dream she had about their father and that he was alive and living in Los Angeles with 'Ellen' - noting that in the dream he was hiding from them; Khloe and Kim pictured

Adding fuel to the fire, fans noticed that neither Kim nor Khloe follow Ellen Pearson on social media, nor is there any evidence of direct communication or reconciliation between the parties.

This absence of interaction further suggests that the strained relationship persists, underscoring the depth of the emotional wounds left by the original conflict.

Observers point out that the Kardashians typically maintain professional, cordial relationships even amid disagreements, making this continued estrangement particularly telling.

Some fans and followers also noted that Kim and Khloe’s continued resentment may stem partly from concerns over protecting their late father’s legacy.

Robert Kardashian Sr., most famous for his role as an attorney in the O.J. Simpson trial, passed away in 2003 from esophageal cancer. Since then, his daughters have been vocal advocates for preserving their father’s memory with dignity and respect.

Ellen Pearson’s decision to share personal journals and family memorabilia publicly was viewed by the sisters as a profound betrayal, one that challenged their deeply-held convictions around privacy and respect for family boundaries.

Industry insiders familiar with the Kardashians’ family dynamics suggest that the feud is rooted in a broader struggle over ownership of their father’s narrative.

The Kardashians, who have built a media empire largely around carefully controlled storytelling and public image, were especially sensitive to Pearson’s actions, viewing them as invasive and disrespectful.

Robert married Ellen in 2003 after three years of dating - with the marriage only lasting for six weeks, due to his death on September 30, 2003 at age 59 from esophageal cancer; Robert Sr with Kim and Kourtney

Given this context, experts speculate that the sisters’ lingering resentment may be less about personal animosity toward Pearson herself and more about the broader implications regarding privacy, legacy, and family boundaries.

Further complicating matters, recent years have seen both Kim and Khloe increasingly vocal about their personal growth, healing, and commitment to family solidarity.

Their emphasis on unity and forgiveness, especially following highly publicized dramas such as Kim’s divorce from Kanye West and Khloe’s relationship struggles with Tristan Thompson, stands in stark contrast to this unresolved issue.

Fans argue this discrepancy highlights the depth of their hurt over Pearson’s alleged betrayal, suggesting that forgiveness in this instance may be significantly harder due to the deeply personal nature of the betrayal.

Ellen Pearson, for her part, has remained largely silent in recent years about the Kardashians, choosing instead to retreat from the public eye following the resolution of the lawsuit.

Her silence leaves unanswered questions about her perspective on the matter, though it also suggests a possible desire to move beyond past controversies.

Without her input, fans and media are left to speculate about her current feelings, as well as the likelihood of any future reconciliation between her and the Kardashian sisters.

Kris with Robert Jr, Kourtney, Khloe, Robert Sr and Kim

Ultimately, the subtle hints recently dropped by Kim and Khloe Kardashian underscore the lasting impact that personal betrayal and public conflict can have on familial relationships.

Even twelve years after Pearson’s lawsuit against them, unresolved emotions clearly persist, demonstrating the complex interplay between fame, privacy, and family dynamics. Fans, followers, and observers alike remain intrigued by this ongoing saga, observing carefully for any further insights or developments.

As the Kardashians continue to navigate their highly publicized lives, this lingering tension with Ellen Pearson serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting power of personal grievances, particularly when involving beloved family figures.

Observers will undoubtedly continue to scrutinize any future hints or subtle references made by the family, hoping to glean deeper understanding of the unresolved pain that clearly remains a sensitive topic.

Whether the Kardashians choose to offer further clarity or keep the matter quietly unresolved, the persistent public interest ensures this complicated chapter of their family history remains relevant for years to come.