Khloe Kardashian has spoken out after trying to remove an unfiltered picture of herself from the Internet.
Earlier this week, the reality star's team worked tirelessly to try and delete the natural-looking bikini pic after it was posted on social media without her consent over the weekend.
The photo is miles away from Khloe's usual Instagram posts, which are thought to be heavily filtered and airbrushed.
After facing criticism for her decision, the 36-year-old posted a heartfelt statement to Instagram yesterday (April 7). In the lengthy message, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star said she "should have every right to ask for [the photo] to not be shared" as it doesn't reflect the hard work she has put into her body over the years.
Included in the post, was a topless video taken in a bathroom, as well as footage from an Instagram Live in which her midriff could be seen. Khloe captioned the post: "Yes I did a live to show you all this isn't photoshopped."
The Good American founder wrote: "Hey guys, this is me and my body unretouched and unfiltered. The photo that was posted this week is beautiful.
"But as someone who has struggled with body image her whole life, when someone takes a photo of you that isn't flattering in bad lighting or doesn't capture your body the way it is after working so hard to get it to this point – and then shares it to the world - you should have every right to ask for it to not be shared – regardless of who you are."
Khloe went on to explain that "constant ridicule and judgment my entire life" has been "too much to bear" – especially comments in which she is compared unfavorably to her sisters.
She continued: "For over a decade now in photos, every single flaw and imperfection has been micro-analyzed and made fun of to the smallest detail and I am reminded of them everyday by the world.
"And when I take that criticism to use as motivation to get myself in the best shape of my life and to even help others with the same struggles I am told I couldn't have done it through hard work and I must have paid for it all."
Khloe admitted that she loves "a good filter, good lighting and an edit here and there" and said it was similar to applying makeup or putting on heels. She added that this is "exactly what I will continue to do unapologetically."
She concluded the post by sharing that her loved ones always remind her that she is beautiful, but the best way to feel beautiful is from within.
"I have realized that we cannot continue to live life trying to fit into the perfect mold of what others have set for us," she said. "Just do you and make sure your heart is happy."