Kim Kardashian has unequivocally shut down persistent rumors of a past hookup with Travis Barker, her sister Kourtney Kardashian’s husband. During a candid interview on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast, the SKIMS founder detailed their decades-long platonic friendship, asserting they “never” had a romantic connection despite Barker’s previously admitted crush on her.
For years, a particular rumor has swirled through celebrity circles and captivated fans: did Kim Kardashian and Travis Barker ever “hook up” before his marriage to her sister, Kourtney Kardashian? This long-standing speculation has finally been addressed directly by Kim herself, aiming to put the narrative to rest once and for all.
Appearing on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast on Wednesday, October 15, Kim was asked the question directly by host Alex Cooper. Her response was clear and concise.
The Definitive Denial: “No, I Never Have”
“No, I never have,” Kim Kardashian stated emphatically on “Call Her Daddy,” adding, “Absolutely, that I do not mind you asking. I never have and it really sucks that has gone on.” This denial is consistent with a previous statement made in 2021, when Kim responded to a fan question on Instagram, calling the claim a “false narrative” and reiterating their long-term friendship, as reported by People.
Kim then elaborated on the nature of their relationship, emphasizing its purely platonic origins and trajectory.
“He dated Paris [Hilton] and we were all friends and we’d all hang out when I was with Paris. We’d be on the road and go to, like, their tour in Amsterdam,” she explained. “So I have been friends with him… and never hooked up with him.” This paints a picture of a group dynamic, with Kourtney also being a neighbor to Travis for a decade, ensuring a constant, open environment for their families and friendships.
Travis Barker’s Past Admissions and Clear Clarifications
The rumor gained significant traction following the release of Travis Barker’s 2016 memoir, Can I Say. In the book, which was published years before he began dating Kourtney Kardashian, Barker openly admitted to having a crush on Kim in the 2000s, describing her as “f—— hot” and “eye candy.” He wrote about “secretly checking [her] out” despite dating Paris Hilton at the time. However, even within his memoir, Barker was explicit about the lack of physical intimacy, stating, “Kim and I never touched each other. It just wasn’t meant to be.”
Speaking with the Los Angeles Times in 2023, Barker further addressed the “ridiculous” speculation that his past crush on Kim had caused any tension between the sisters. He dismissed the notion that giving “a little information” in his memoir meant fans had “solved the mystery of ‘this is why they’re fighting’.” He reiterated that Kourtney was aware of their history, confirming, “That’s her sister. She knows we used to talk. Nothing bad was going on.” Barker described sharing these details as “therapeutic” for him, indicating a desire to move past old narratives.
The Family Dynamic: Kourtney, Travis, and Their Journey
The persistent nature of these rumors became even more pronounced when Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian officially began dating in 2021. Their high-profile romance blossomed into marriage in 2022, and the couple welcomed their son, Rocky, in November 2023. Given this new family dynamic, Kim’s definitive statement on “Call Her Daddy” serves as a crucial clarification, reinforcing the bond within the Kardashian-Barker family.
The close-knit relationship between Kim, Kourtney, and Travis, extending back to their days as friends and neighbors, underscores the ease with which Travis integrated into the family even before his romantic relationship with Kourtney. As Kim stated, “Kourtney was around during that time. So they were neighbors for a decade. So when everyone was all hanging out… he was always around with his kids. They’d always come to Kourtney’s house for all the birthdays. Everything was super open and cool and everyone’s been friends. He was just as good of friends with them as he was with all of us. It was nothing weird.”
Why the Rumor Endured in the Fan Community
Despite repeated denials from both Kim Kardashian and Travis Barker over the years, the rumor persisted. For fans, the intrigue likely stemmed from several factors:
- Celebrity Interconnections: The close ties within the Kardashian-Jenner family, coupled with their long history in the public eye, often fuel speculation about personal lives.
- The “Sister’s Husband” Trope: The dramatic narrative of a past attraction between a celebrity and their sibling’s future spouse is inherently compelling and often features in fan theories.
- Memoir Revelations: Barker’s honest admission of a crush in his memoir, while clarifying no physical contact, still opened the door for imaginative interpretations among the public.
- Public Fascination: High-profile relationships and the exploration of their origins are constant sources of fan discussion, especially in a world where celebrity news is closely followed.
The “Call Her Daddy” interview provided the most direct and public address to date from Kim on the matter, offering fans a definitive answer from one of the primary figures involved.
Beyond the Hookup Rumors: Kim’s ‘Call Her Daddy’ Reflections
While the hookup rumor dominated headlines, Kim’s conversation on “Call Her Daddy” covered a broader range of topics, offering insight into other aspects of her life. She reflected on her past marriage to Kanye West and its influence on her subsequent relationship with Pete Davidson. Furthermore, she touched on themes of motherhood and even discussed a past instance of being cheated on by an unnamed ex, revealing how she discovered the infidelity “long after” it occurred and the difficult position it placed her in.
Ultimately, Kim Kardashian’s latest interview serves to definitively close the chapter on the Travis Barker hookup rumor, providing clarity and reiterating the enduring, platonic nature of their friendship from the very beginning.
