Kim Kardashian trolled for misidentifying NY project manager as death row convict Ivan Cantu on Instagram
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Kim Kardashian — known for supporting changes to the criminal justice system — has caused controversy over a recent incident on social media. Despite trying to draw attention to a significant issue, she accidentally uploaded an image of the wrong person, causing quite a commotion.
The SKIMS founder received criticism from a New York-based project manager who claimed she mistakenly shared his photo on Instagram Stories on Monday, February 26.
Kardashian had misidentified the New York man as Texas death row convict Ivan Cantu - with whom he shares the same first and last names.
New York project manager Ivan A Cantu called out Kim Kardashian
Despite her good intentions to raise awareness of Ivan Cantu's plight, Kardashian accidentally shared a picture of Ivan A Cantu, a project manager from New York, instead of the inmate currently detained on death row in Texas.
The social media error was discovered on the New Yorker's 60th birthday, a day that should have been spent in joy.
Ivan A Cantu told TMZ that his family had notified him that the actress' social media page was using his photo. He believed he was being played for a fool when he mentioned that he was celebrating his 60th birthday.
However, he told the outlet that he believed the picture was accidentally released by one of Kardashian's employees.
The SKIMS founder has since removed the incorrect post and replaced it with an opinion piece from the Austin American-Statesman that clarifies the situation.
The mother of four has frequently shown her support for the imprisoned Ivan, who is currently imprisoned in Texas on multiple charges.
Ivan has consistently maintained his innocence in the 2000 killings of his cousin James Mosqueda and his cousin's fiancee Amy Kitchen, as the 'Kardashians' star revealed when she provided insight into the case back in January.
Kardashian has announced a text message campaign to her followers, asking Texas Governor Greg Abbott to postpone the execution, which is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, per Daily Mail.
Internet jokes over Ivan Cantu confusion
The confusion rapidly got out of hand, as Kardashian's influence unintentionally brought attention to a person completely unrelated to the criminal justice system on a worldwide scale.
Social media users took to Ivan A Cantu's Facebook post to make light of the confusion, with one commenting: "What a great birthday present!! Happy birthday Ivan!!!"
A second one quipped, "Phew, I was all concerned if I had the proper attire for an execution!"
"I’m sure Bev and the girls are relieved:) I’m sorry, Ivan, but that is hysterical," wrote a third one, probably alluding to the New Yorker family members.
A fourth one added, "You don’t have to worry unless someone asks you what you want for your last meal."
"Geez turning 60 just got that much harder buddy," joked another one.
Kim Kardashian has long history supporting criminal justice reform
Kardashian's dedication to changing the criminal justice system is widely known, and her participation in an array of notable cases has helped to raise vital awareness of people and problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Following in the footsteps of her late father Robert Kardashian, who served on OJ Simpson's legal defense team during his murder trial, Kardashian has been pursuing her legal education.
She played a key role in Alice Marie Johnson's 2018 release from jail after then-President Donald Trump granted her a pardon. Following her 1996 arrest in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Johnson was sentenced to life in prison for a minor drug felony.
But this particular Ivan Cantu incident serves as a painful reminder of the pros and cons associated with celebrity involvement in criminal justice cases.
Even though Kardashian's platform can draw attention and support from the public, there is a chance that it will inadvertently spread false information. The misinformation spread quickly over social media, highlighting the careful balancing act between using influence to further justice and making sure the information is accurate.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
