Kim Kardashian's 'Tone Deaf' Message Slammed After Steve Harwell Death

Kim Kardashian has been slammed by a number of Instagram users who have taken issue with her latest choice of caption following the death of Steve Harwell.

While reality TV star and entrepreneur Kardashian did not make any direct reference to Harwell in her most recent Instagram upload on Wednesday, a number of social media users felt that her choice of words left much to be desired.

Smash Mouth lead singer Harwell died on Monday of acute liver failure, according to the band's manager Robert Hayes. Several hours earlier, it was publicly disclosed that the musician was terminally ill. He was 56.

Days after Harwell's death, Kardashian took to Instagram to post a pair of mirror selfies that showed her posing in a gold bikini. In reference to her ensemble, Kardashian added the caption: "All that glitters is gold."

Fans of Harwell took umbrage at Kardashian's use of the term, which appears in the lyrics of Harwell's Smash Mouth 1999 hit track "All Star."

The line appears in the enduring track's chorus: "Hey now, you're an all star/ Get your game on, go play/ Hey now, you're a rock star/ Get the show on, get paid/ And all that glitters is gold/ Only shooting stars."

One Instagram user branded the choice of words "low key tone deaf," while another commented: "Did you know that the guy that sings this song just died?"

"Someone dies and you use their lyrics to post a thirst trap," said another detractor.

"Kim, the Smash Mouth guy just died," another pointed out. "Take this down."

Wrote another: "Is this her tribute post to Steve Harwell?"

While there was a wave of criticism on the post, a number of fans and celebrities alike met Kardashian's upload with a positive reaction.

"Living ya life like it's golden," wrote Real Housewives of Atlanta star Sheree Whitfield, lifting a line from singer Jill Scott's 2004 track "Golden."

Model and reality TV star Nicole Williams English showed her appreciation for the post with a single drooling face emoji.

Meanwhile, Kardashian's younger sister, Khloé Kardashian, responded to the post by commenting with a trio of glittering gold star emojis.

Newsweek has contacted a representative of Kardashian via email for comment.

According to The Associated Press, Hayes said Harwell "passed peacefully and comfortably" Monday morning surrounded by family and friends at his home in Boise, Idaho.

Smash Mouth was founded in 1994 in San Jose, California, and was made up of Harwell, the lead singer, drummer Kevin Coleman, guitarist Greg Camp, and Paul De Lisle on the bass. The band's debut album, Fush Yu Mang, was released in 1997.

The band was known for a string of hits that included "All Star," "I'm a Believer," and "Then The Morning Comes."

In an emailed statement to Newsweek on Monday from the band, Smash Mouth's new lead singer Zach Goode said: "Today, my heart goes out to Steve's family and friends. Although we never met personally, I have an enormous amount of respect for what he accomplished and the legacy that he left behind. Steve was a legend."

Goode continued: "Smash Mouth songs have been the soundtrack to so many people's lives and I'm honored to care for them in my own little way, even if only for a while. I love singing these songs every night and carrying on the spirit of rock n roll in front of the best fans in the world. I will continue to try, in my own way, to honor what Steve and the band have created. These songs deserve to live on and be heard. Thank you all for your continued support and may Steve find the rest he deserves. I thank you for listening."

Harwell had been retired from Smash Mouth for two years as the band continues to tour with Goode. "Steve's legacy will live on through the music," the band told Newsweek via email. "Steve's iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices from his generation. He loved the fans and loved to perform."

Update 09/07/2023, 8:20 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.