Ever since it was announced that Kim Kardashian and now husband Kris Humphries were engaged, folks have been chattering about whether their rapid courtship was part of a huge publicity stunt. As a result of the marriage, the Kardashians made tons of money in sponsorship, endorsements and selling photos from Kim’s wedding, filmed a 2 part E! special and Kris Humphries was immediately picked up to be under new representation by Kim’s mother Kris Jenner (who also manages Khloe’s husband Lamar).
Now, sources are claiming, the whole relationship and marriage was arranged by E! and Kris Humphries wasn’t their first choice. In 2010, E! allegedly began searching New York City for a pro athlete that Kim could date while filming Kourtney and Kim Take On New York. A-lister such as Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter were already taken and NFL prospects were slim so the producers set their sights on the New York Knicks. An E! network rep allegedly approached New York Knicks forward Danilo Gallinari, and asked if he would be interested in going on a date with Kim for a featured segment on the show, but although Dan was interested in meeting Kim, he wasn’t interested in doing reality TV. They eventually approached New Jersey Nets player Kris Humphries who was down for the cause, and soon after Kim began to attend all of his games. As the first season of ‘Khloe and Lamar’ wrapped, it was announced that Kim would be getting married. The rest is ‘Hollywood Royal Wedding’ history.