Vivid Entertainment announced today that it has paid $1 million for the rights to a sex tape featuring Hollywood socialite Kim Kardashian and her then-boyfriend, hip-hop star Ray J (a.k.a. Willie Norwood).
According to a Vivid press release, the DVD titled Kim Kardashian Superstar will be released on Wednesday, Feb. 21 and will be in stores by the following Wednesday, Feb. 28. It will also be available online on Feb. 28 at www.vivid.com or www.kimksuperstar.com and will include additional footage not on the DVD.
Vivid co-chairman Steven Hirsch said the company obtained the video from a third party but did not identify the person or entity. "We are comfortable that we have the legal right to distribute this video, despite what others may say," Hirsch said.
The New York Daily News first reported rumors about the Kardashian sex tape in January. Kardashian initially denied the tape's existence, though online rental service SugarDVD offered Kardashian $2 million for the footage to no avail. On Feb. 11, an anonymous source told the Daily News that "[Kardashian] and her camp want to decide exactly what gets released and what doesn't. She is actively involved in its sale, but wishes to do it through a third party."
Last week, Kardashian admitted making more than one sex tape with Ray J in a conversation with Sal Maskela of E!'s "Daily 10," but insisted the footage was not for sale. "I'm not poor; I'm not desperate. I would never attempt to sell a tape. It would humiliate me and ruin my family. I have two successful businesses, and I don't need the money," she said in a written statement to the Daily News.
Kardashian, 26, was reported to have dated Ray J for about three years. She is a fashion retailer who co-owns the popular store "Dash" in Calabasas with her two sisters Kourtney and Khloe. She is the daughter of the late attorney Robert Kardashian, who defended O.J. Simpson in his murder trial. Her stepfather is 1976 Olympic decathlon gold medalist Bruce Jenner. Kardashian is frequently seen at Hollywood events with her best friend, Paris Hilton.
Ray J, 26, began his career as a child actor playing the role of Dorian Long on "Moesha," the popular UPN-TV series. Over the years his TV credits have included hosting of the BET shows "106 & Park" and "BET Countdown" plus playing the role of D-Mack on the UPN-TV show "One On One." At age 14 he added singing to his talents. He is a best-selling independent hip-hop artist and his most recent hit is "One Wish" with the Knockout Entertainment label. In addition to Ms. Kardashian, his girlfriends have included Lil' Kim and Whitney Houston.
"I've seen the video and it's really great," Hirsch said. "It has over 30 minutes of explicit sex that fans of erotica will find very appealing featuring two young and glamorous high profile celebrities. Apparently, the video was shot by Ray J about three years ago when he and Kim were in a relationship. The production is crystal clear and viewers will definitely get their money's worth. If either Kim or Ray J would like to discuss the video with us we would be happy to do so."
