Kim Kardashian Makes Broadway Producing Debut with 'The Fear of 13'

Reality star's criminal justice reform efforts expand to the stage with true-story play about a man wrongfully imprisoned on death row.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:21pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of luxurious, high-contrast red velvet theater curtains, capturing the glamour and drama of Broadway through dramatic studio lighting and abstract texture.Kim Kardashian's Broadway producing debut with 'The Fear of 13' brings the high-stakes drama of criminal justice reform to the stage.NYC Today

Kim Kardashian, the reality TV star and entrepreneur, has signed on as a producer for the Broadway play 'The Fear of 13,' which tells the true story of Nick Yarris, a man who spent over two decades on death row for a murder he insists he did not commit. Kardashian has used her platform in recent years to advocate for criminal justice reform, including lobbying the White House to grant clemency to those wrongfully convicted.

Why it matters

Kardashian's involvement as a producer for 'The Fear of 13' represents an expansion of her criminal justice reform efforts beyond policy work and into the realm of storytelling and the arts. By using her platform to bring attention to wrongful convictions and the flaws in the criminal justice system, she hopes to change minds and hearts through the power of narrative.

The details

The play 'The Fear of 13' is written by Lindsey Ferrentino and stars Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson. It is directed by Tony Award-winner David Cromer, and the opening night is set for Wednesday, April 13, 2026.

  • Kardashian has lobbied the White House for criminal justice reform during both the Trump and Biden administrations.
  • In June 2018, Kardashian successfully lobbied President Trump to commute the life sentence of Alice Marie Johnson, who had spent over 20 years in prison for drug offenses.
  • In August 2020, President Trump granted a full pardon to Alice Marie Johnson and restored her rights.

The players

Kim Kardashian

A reality TV star and entrepreneur who has used her platform to advocate for criminal justice reform, including lobbying the White House to grant clemency to those wrongfully convicted.

Nick Yarris

The subject of the play 'The Fear of 13,' a man who spent over two decades on death row for a murder he insists he did not commit.

Lindsey Ferrentino

The writer of the play 'The Fear of 13.'

Adrien Brody

The actor starring in the play 'The Fear of 13.'

Tessa Thompson

The actress starring in the play 'The Fear of 13.'

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What they’re saying

“My commitment to criminal justice reform has always been about more than just policy — it's about people. I've learned that sometimes the most effective way to change minds is through a powerful story. 'The Fear of 13' is that story.”

— Kim Kardashian

What’s next

The play 'The Fear of 13' is set to open on Broadway on Wednesday, April 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Kim Kardashian's involvement as a producer for 'The Fear of 13' represents a significant expansion of her criminal justice reform efforts, moving beyond policy work and into the realm of storytelling and the arts. By using her platform to bring attention to wrongful convictions and the flaws in the criminal justice system, she hopes to change minds and hearts through the power of narrative.