Kim Kardashian and Jonathan Cheban were an iconic duo for years, with Jonathan, the publicist who became a reality TV personality, often seen as Kim’s closest and most steadfast friend. However, recent observations, fan theories, and social media whispers are suggesting a significant cooling in their once-inseparable bond. The dynamic pair haven’t been seen together publicly in months, and the reasons behind this apparent drift are fueling considerable speculation, particularly as Jonathan Cheban increasingly embraces his “Foodgod” persona.
Image alt text: Kim Kardashian and Jonathan Cheban, known as Foodgod, photographed together in Miami, Florida, hinting at past close friendship.
Foodgod’s New Alliances and Whispers of Kardashian Discord
Jonathan Cheban, now almost exclusively known as Foodgod, has recently been seen navigating new social circles, most notably attending Heidi Klum’s Halloween party alongside Bethenny Frankel. This particular connection has raised eyebrows, as Frankel has been publicly critical of Kim Kardashian in the past. This association has led some to question where Jonathan’s loyalties truly lie, sparking rumors about a potential rift with his long-time best friend.
Image alt text: Reality TV personality Foodgod, formerly Jonathan Cheban, and Bethenny Frankel attend a Halloween event, sparking speculation about his allegiance amidst Kim Kardashian friendship rumors.
Online, fan speculation has reached fever pitch, with many suggesting that Foodgod may have somehow betrayed Kim’s trust. A recurring theory on social media platforms like Instagram posits that Jonathan, in his various roles within Kim’s inner circle, might have been a source of leaks regarding private Kardashian information. Comments from fans range from direct accusations of betrayal to theories about the timing of his social shift coinciding with a deliberate distancing by the Kardashian family. While these remain unverified fan theories, the conjecture highlights the public perception of a significant change in the relationship between Kim and Foodgod.
Echoes of Past Friendship Breakdowns: The Larsa Pippen Precedent
Kim Kardashian’s history of friendships includes notable severances, leading fans to draw parallels between the current situation with Foodgod and her very public fallout with Larsa Pippen. Pippen, a former close confidante and “Real Housewives of Miami” personality, experienced a dramatic break with Kim, offering a potential template for how Kardashian friendships can evolve—or dissolve.
Image alt text: Throwback image of Kim Kardashian and Larsa Pippen, former close friends, used to illustrate Kim’s history of shifting friendships amidst speculation about Foodgod.
The friendship between Larsa and Kim reportedly fractured around 2020, during Kim’s separation from Kanye West. Larsa herself suggested on reality TV that being too close to Kim’s marital issues placed her “in the middle” and ultimately led to the end of their friendship. The swift unfollowing of Larsa by Kim and her family on social media served as a definitive public marker of the break. This pattern of decisive distancing has also been observed with other former associates, like stylist Monica Rose and makeup artist Joyce Bonelli, fueling the narrative that Kim Kardashian is willing to move on from relationships that she deems no longer beneficial or aligned with her current life stage.
The Fading Spotlight on Kim and Foodgod’s Connection
For over fifteen years, Jonathan Cheban, now Foodgod, was a constant presence in Kim Kardashian’s world. He was a familiar face on their reality shows, a regular attendee at events alongside Kim, and often joined Kardashian family vacations. However, in recent years, these joint appearances have become increasingly rare, and whispers of a growing distance have become more persistent.
Image alt text: Kim Kardashian and Foodgod, Jonathan Cheban, pictured in New York City in 2019, representing a period of closer public appearances before recent distance.
Some speculate that Foodgod’s association with figures critical of Kim, such as Bethenny Frankel, might be a source of tension. Others suggest that Kim’s increasing desire for privacy, particularly amidst family and business pressures, could be a contributing factor. As Kim’s brand and personal life evolve, the role of those in her inner circle, even long-time confidants like Foodgod, may also be subject to change.
Image alt text: Flashback image of Kim Kardashian and Foodgod, Jonathan Cheban, in Manhattan in 2018, highlighting their once frequent public outings together.
Evolving Circles: Is Kim Kardashian Outgrowing Relationships?
The potential shift in Kim Kardashian’s relationship with Jonathan Cheban, aka Foodgod, appears to align with a broader trend observed by fans. The sentiment that Kim “drops friends fast” and “outgrows” relationships has gained traction online. The examples of Larsa Pippen, Monica Rose, and Joyce Bonelli are often cited to support this view.
While some interpret this pattern negatively, suggesting a transactional approach to friendship, others view it as a natural consequence of Kim’s relentless personal and professional growth. As her priorities shift and her empire expands, it’s plausible that some relationships, even long-standing ones, may naturally evolve or fade. Whether Jonathan Cheban, now known as Foodgod, was indeed perceived as a liability or if their paths simply diverged, the speculation underscores the intense scrutiny surrounding Kim Kardashian’s relationships and the ever-shifting dynamics within her high-profile world.
