If you’ve been keeping up with the Hulu cameras lately, you’ve probably seen a new face in the mix of the Kardashian-Jenner chaos. His name is Amari. Often, he’s mistakenly referred to on social media as "Amari Kardashian," but that isn’t actually his name. His name is Amari Thompson.
He isn’t a secret sibling or a cousin you missed in the early seasons of E!. He is the younger brother of NBA player Tristan Thompson. So, technically, he is the uncle to Khloé Kardashian’s two children, True and Tatum. But the reason everyone is searching for "Amari Kardashian" is that he has basically been folded into the family as one of their own.
Honestly, the story of how Amari ended up living in the Kardashian household is pretty heavy. It’s a mix of sudden tragedy, legal battles, and a level of caretaking that most people wouldn't expect from a reality TV star.
Who Is Amari Thompson and What Is His Story?
Amari was born on July 27, 2006, to Andrea Thompson and Trevor Thompson. Growing up in Canada, his life was vastly different from his older brother Tristan’s life in the spotlight. Amari was born with a severe and rare form of epilepsy known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS).
Because of this condition, Amari is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair. He requires 24/7 care. For most of his life, his mother, Andrea, was his primary caregiver. She was the one who managed his daily routine, his medication, and his safety. Tristan has often spoken about how his mother was a warrior for his brother, dedicating her entire existence to ensuring Amari was okay.
Things changed forever in January 2023.
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Andrea Thompson passed away suddenly from a heart attack. It was a shock that rocked the entire Thompson family, but it also left a massive question mark over Amari’s future. Who was going to take care of a teenager who needs constant medical attention?
Why Does Amari Thompson Live With Khloé Kardashian?
This is where the "Kardashian" part of the name comes from. When Andrea died, Tristan became Amari's legal guardian. However, Tristan’s life as a professional basketball player means he is constantly on the road. You can't really provide 24-hour medical supervision when you're flying between cities for games every other night.
Khloé Kardashian stepped in.
Despite her and Tristan no longer being in a romantic relationship—and we all know that history is complicated—Khloé didn't hesitate. She opened her home to both Tristan and Amari. At first, it was supposed to be temporary because Tristan’s house had suffered severe water damage from a storm. But as time went on, it became a more permanent arrangement.
In a July 2025 episode of her podcast, Khloé in Wonder Land, she explained that Amari stays in Los Angeles with her because it’s simply not good for him to be on planes all the time. He has multiple seizures a day. Keeping him in a stable, loving environment with a consistent medical team is the only way to ensure he stays healthy.
"Amari deserves my love and care, regardless of where me and Tristan stand," Khloé shared.
She has been very vocal about the fact that she doesn't see him as a burden. To her, he is family. Period.
Understanding Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
To understand Amari’s daily life, you have to understand LGS. It’s not just "regular" epilepsy. It is an extremely difficult-to-treat condition that usually shows up in early childhood.
People with LGS experience:
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- Multiple types of seizures: This includes "drop attacks" where muscles suddenly go limp.
- Cognitive impairment: Most people with the syndrome have some level of intellectual disability.
- Developmental delays: The frequent electrical storms in the brain make it hard for the body and mind to develop typically.
During an episode of The Kardashians, viewers actually saw Amari have a seizure during his 18th birthday party. It was a raw moment. Kris Jenner was visibly shaken and started crying, while Khloé—who is around him every day—stayed calm and coached her mother through it.
Khloé has mentioned that she learned how to handle the medical side of things because she was so close to Andrea. Before Andrea passed, they would talk daily, and Khloé would often help her research medical questions regarding Amari’s care.
The Controversy and the "Tone-Deaf" Comments
Being a Kardashian means everything you do is under a microscope, and Amari’s inclusion in the show hasn't been without drama.
Kim Kardashian caught some serious heat from fans after an episode aired where she talked about her kids' reactions to Amari. She mentioned that her children—North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm—had a lot of questions and might not feel "the most comfortable" around him yet.
The internet went into a tailspin when Kim was seen asking her daughter Chicago if she was "scared" of Amari.
Critics called the comment "tone-deaf" and "juvenile." They felt that instead of asking a child if they were scared, the focus should have been on education and empathy. Khloé, on the other hand, took a different approach. She explained to her daughter True that Amari is just "different," and that different isn't scary.
Khloé’s stance is pretty firm: she wants her kids to grow up around all types of people. She believes having Amari in the house teaches them compassion and understanding in a way that a textbook never could.
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The Legal Side: Tristan’s Guardianship
While Khloé provides the home and the day-to-day emotional support, Tristan Thompson is the one who holds the legal responsibility.
In February 2024, a court officially granted Tristan sole legal guardianship of Amari. This was a big deal because their father, Trevor Thompson, has been largely absent from their lives since 2014. Tristan had to prove to the court that his father had essentially abandoned Amari and failed to pay child support for years.
The court documents also revealed that Amari received an inheritance of about $103,475 from his mother’s estate, which is held in a way that ensures his medical needs are met.
Is Amari Still With the Kardashians in 2026?
As of early 2026, the arrangement seems to be holding steady. While Tristan’s career moves him around the country, Amari remains a fixture in the Kardashian-Jenner inner circle.
He is frequently seen in the background of Instagram stories and at family events. Khloé continues to use her platform to bring awareness to epilepsy and LGS, often shutting down "gross commentary" from trolls who question why she is raising her ex’s brother.
It’s a weirdly beautiful situation in a family that is often criticized for being superficial. Taking in a severely disabled young man and providing him with a specialized medical team, a custom-designed living space, and a house full of energetic nieces and nephews is probably the most "real" thing the Kardashians have ever done.
What to Know if You’re Following Amari’s Journey
If you are looking to support the causes Amari represents or want to understand the situation better, here are the key takeaways:
- The Foundation: Tristan Thompson started the Amari Thompson Foundation back in 2014. It focuses on raising money for epilepsy research and helping families who can't afford the high costs of LGS treatment.
- The Caretakers: Khloé has credited two specific caretakers, Noelle and Elba, for being the backbone of Amari’s daily life. It’s a team effort that requires specialized medical training.
- The Sibling Bond: Despite Tristan’s public mistakes, his commitment to Amari is one area where fans generally give him credit. He has consistently stepped up as a "father figure" to his younger brothers.
- Educational Resources: If you want to learn more about the specific condition Amari lives with, the Epilepsy Foundation provides detailed guides on Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and how to support those living with it.
Keep an eye on the latest seasons of their show if you want to see how the family continues to adapt. It’s a steep learning curve for everyone involved, but it’s shifted the narrative of the family from just "celebrities" to a legitimate support system for a member who needs them most.
If you're following this story for more updates, checking the official Amari Thompson Foundation website or Khloé’s verified social media accounts is the best way to get accurate, real-time info without the tabloid spin.