Once upon a time, we had not heard of the Kardashians - and now they run a billion dollar empire with one of the longest running reality TV shows of all time and more merchandise and businesses than you could count.




But it all started in 2007, when Kim Kardashian catapulted into fame when she was embroiled in a sex scandal after a tape of her getting intimate with singer Ray J was released without her permission.


The tape went viral and Kim, who only been known before as the daughter of lawyer Robert Kardashian, sued the company that released the tape for $5 million.

Shortly afterwards, fascination with the family spiralled and Keeping Up With the Kardashians was born, changing the world as we know it, forever.

Kim has since took control back of her image, marrying Kanye West and becoming a mother to four children.

The family were accused of deliberately leaking the tape as a publicity stunt to promote KUWTK, which they have denied.

But her friend Paris Hilton had been accused of the same after a sex tape of her with then-boyfriend Rick Salomon leaked online in 2003.


Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, who also had a sex tape leaked (
Image: WireImage)

The tape was released shortly after her TV show The Simple Life came out, though Paris also sued the company that released it, for a whopping $30 million for violation of privacy and emotional distress.

But 1 Night In Paris was a media sensation, and won several adult film awards inlcuding Best Selling Title of the Year, Best Renting Title of the Year and Best Overall Marketing Campaign – Individual Project.