Exactly What Kanye West Said to Kim Kardashian West at Their 'Donda' Wedding Recreation
“He was smiling so hard," according to a source.
![Kanye West & Kim Kardashian-West Donda Wedding](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WURXmZeFKMRFdm7vMf7zjC-928-80.png)
At Kanye West's listening event Donda, which has garnered significant controversy, Kim Kardashian West made a dramatic appearance: it looked like she was re-marrying the singer-songwriter-producer in a wedding dress and veil from Balenciaga's Fall 2021 Haute Couture collection. In real life, the two are are in the process of getting a divorce, which makes the fake ceremony—recreating their 2014 wedding—all the more surprising.
And according to a source talking exclusively to Us Weekly, we have more details of exactly how that onstage moment went down. “He was smiling so hard you could feel his energy radiate as he was looking at her,” said the eyewitness. “If you watch the video from the [event], you will see he said, ‘You look pretty.'”
The source explained that no one knew the rapper's estranged wife would be making an appearance, but that it was emotional: Kardashian West had a “beautiful aura” when she came on stage. “His face lit up ... The choir was singing during the song and everyone started to tear up.”
Fans were confused, to say the least, but “if other people think it’s strange, it’s OK, because Kim doesn’t,” the person added. “She thinks it’s cool, great for his art and their relationship and loves to show her kids how much she supports him.”
According to a source talking to People, it's not that the couple is getting back together but "this more holistic sense of love as a healing force," adding, "The thing that's important is it's not at all about them getting back together or something like that."
❤️ #Donda pic.twitter.com/BqEFUAaqe4August 27, 2021
Kardashian West shared photos of her onstage as well as backstage photos with her, West, and their children. She hasn't commented publicly about some of the controversy, but reports are indicating she might not have known about some of the aspects from the performance beforehand.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York Times, Parents, InStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award.
Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeans, how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Adele Taps Into the French Manicure Renaissance for Date Night with Rich Paul
The modern French tip trend strikes again.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Meghan Markle Exudes Snow Bunny Style in a $1,250 Mackage Puffer
The Duchess of Sussex bundled up in luxury while visiting Whistler, Canada.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
First Tory Burch Pierced Her Shoes. Now She's Piercing Bags
The unexpected style is already taking over fashion week.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Leighton Meester's Music Climbs iTunes Chart After She Loses Home She Shared With Adam Brody in California Wildfires
The 'Gossip Girl' star is following in Heidi Montag's footsteps.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Heidi Montag's 2010 Album 'Superficial' Is Having a Celeb-Fueled Revival in 2025
Everyone from Emily Ratajkowski to Paris Hilton has helped the underrated record top the iTunes chart.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kim Kardashian Recreated Her Iconic "Breaks the Internet” Picture at the Skims Christmas Party
It's been 10 years since the original picture from Kardashian's viral Paper magazine cover.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling Introduce the "Newest Member" of Their Family
"I'm crazy about her and excited to share life."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Garner Is Reportedly Ready to Cut Ties With Jennifer Lopez, Unless Their Kids Are Involved
"Her friends feel she shouldn't have allowed herself to get so involved."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kim Kardashian Got the New Tesla Robot Before Anyone Else and Showed Off Its Dance Moves
"meet my new friend."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kim Kardashian Says She's "Basically Raising 4 Kids by Myself" After Kanye West Divorce
It's not been easy.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Rihanna Hints She's Retiring From Music and Moving on to More "Authentic" Projects
"I always say music was the thing that got the attention, but God had other plans for me."
By Amy Mackelden Published