theGrio: Kardashians using 'slave labor'?

The Kardashians raked in millions this year from their numerous fashion lines, and today reports have surfaced that the family uses "slave labor" to manufacture many of their products.

TMZ broke the story this morning:

A human rights group is investigating claims that workers in China -- as young as 16 -- are working in squalid conditions to manufacture merchandise for the K-Dash by Kardashian label, the Kris Jenner Kollection and ShoeDazzle, according to a Star Magazine investigation.

The institute for Global Labour and Human Rights confirms with TMZ ... they have launched an investigation, amidst claims the Kardashians' products are produced in factories reeking of stench from sewage, with temperatures north of 100 degrees. An official from the organization tells TMZ, conditions in the factories that manufacture Kardashian products are "horrific."

There are also claims the employees work up to 84 hours a week, earning $1 an hour. The Kardashians rake in approximately $65 million a year.

Kris Jenner has since reached out to TMZ to give an update to the recent manufacturing controversy saying "the factories manufacture a number of products unrelated to Kardashian lines. Jenner adds, "As far as I know the factories that are used to manufacture the Kardashian clothing and shoes have nothing terrible going on at all and the factories are very well policed and meet factory standards."

Jenner added that she has not yet visited the factories in China to observe the working conditions first hand.

Deborah Benton, the Chief Operating Officer of the Kardashaian's premiere shoe brand, ShoeDazzle released a statement today saying that the factories they use are routinely inspected and always pass inspection.

"This issue of child labor is of paramount importance to us. We've been very focused on this from the very beginning," Benton said.

Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe Kardashian have yet to comment on the allegations.

For anyone interested in finding out if you own products that are made via 'slave labor' checkout the website slaveryfootprint.org.

For the latest celebrity buzz and entertainment news follow Chris Witherspoon on Twitter @WitherspoonC.

Source: http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/kardashians-slave-labor-for-fashion-lines-tmz.php

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