You’ve seen the headlines, and if you're a fan of The Kardashians, you’ve definitely seen the face. But the story of Amari Thompson is a lot deeper than just a cameo on a reality show. It’s actually a pretty intense saga of family tragedy, legal battles, and a level of commitment from Khloé Kardashian that honestly surprised a lot of people.
People keep asking: what happened to Amari Thompson?
The short answer is a lot. In the span of just a couple of years, this young man lost his primary caregiver, moved across international borders, and became the center of a high-stakes guardianship case.
The Tragedy That Changed Everything
For years, Amari lived a relatively quiet life in Canada. His mother, Andrea Thompson, was his world. She was his primary caretaker, his advocate, and basically his 24/7 support system. Amari was born with a severe form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). It’s not just "having seizures." It’s a condition that causes multiple types of seizures daily, developmental delays, and often requires a wheelchair.
Then, January 2023 hit.
Andrea Thompson passed away suddenly from a heart attack. It was a shock to the whole family, but for Amari, it was catastrophic. He wasn't just losing a mom; he was losing the only person who knew his medical routine inside and out.
🔗 Read more: How Tall is Tim Curry? What Fans Often Get Wrong About the Legend's Height
Tristan Thompson, the NBA veteran and Amari’s older brother, flew to Toronto immediately. But he didn't go alone. Khloé Kardashian was right there with him. Even though she and Tristan were long over as a couple, she was deeply close to Andrea.
The Move to Hidden Hills and the Legal Battle
After the funeral, Tristan and Khloé made a massive decision. They weren't going to leave Amari in Canada or put him in a facility. They brought him back to Los Angeles.
Initially, it was supposed to be temporary. But then Tristan’s roof literally caved in during some crazy weather in California, and everyone—Tristan and Amari included—moved into Khloé’s mansion.
This is where the legal stuff gets messy. In September 2023, Tristan filed for sole legal guardianship of Amari.
The court documents were pretty brutal regarding their father, Trevor Thompson. Tristan claimed their dad had been essentially absent since 2014, failing to pay child support or maintain a relationship. By February 2024, a judge in LA officially granted Tristan guardianship. The court agreed that it wasn’t in Amari’s best interest to go back to Canada to live with a father who had "abandoned" him.
💡 You might also like: Brandi Love Explained: Why the Businesswoman and Adult Icon Still Matters in 2026
Tristan was also put in charge of Amari’s inheritance, which was roughly $103,475 from their mother’s estate.
Why is Khloé Kardashian the Primary Caretaker?
This is the part that trips people up. If Tristan is the legal guardian, why does it seem like Khloé is doing the heavy lifting?
During an episode of her podcast, Khloé in Wonder Land, she basically laid it out. Tristan is an active NBA player. He’s on a plane every other day, in different time zones, and staying in hotels. For a kid like Amari, who has "a handful of seizures a day," that kind of travel is dangerous.
"Amari stays in LA with me," Khloé explained. She’s taken on the role of primary caretaker because it provides Amari with the stability he needs.
She’s even faced backlash for it. Some critics on Reddit and social media have accused the family of "using him as a pawn" for a storyline. But Khloé has been vocal about how she feels a moral obligation to Andrea's memory. She’s also talked about how important it is for her kids, True and Tatum, to grow up around their uncle. It teaches them compassion.
📖 Related: Melania Trump Wedding Photos: What Most People Get Wrong
Living with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in 2026
Dealing with LGS isn't easy, even with all the money in the world. On a recent episode of The Kardashians, viewers saw Amari have a brief seizure right next to Kris Jenner. It was a raw moment. Kris was visibly shaken, but Khloé stayed calm.
That’s their daily life.
It involves:
- Constant monitoring for "drop attacks" or tonic-clonic seizures.
- Managing specialized medications.
- Physical therapy to help with mobility.
- Navigating the transition into adulthood (Amari turned 18 in 2024 and 19 in 2025).
The Amari Thompson Fund, which Tristan started way back in 2013, continues to work with organizations like Epilepsy Toronto. While the family’s life is high-glamour, Amari’s reality is a constant medical battle.
What’s Next for Amari?
Honestly, the focus now is on long-term stability. Since he’s now legally an adult, the guardianship remains crucial for managing his healthcare and finances.
Tristan remains the legal "responsible party," but Khloé is the one managing the day-to-day household care. It’s a weird, modern, blended family dynamic that seems to be working for them.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a similar diagnosis, it’s worth looking into resources like the Epilepsy Foundation or LGS Foundation. They offer support groups and information on the latest treatments, which are constantly evolving. Staying informed about seizure first aid is the most practical step any of us can take to help people like Amari in our own communities.