Kendall Jenner denies discussing Bruce Jenner's 'sex change': Here's why speculation is harmful

The model was quoted by US Weekly as confirming her father's 'transition', but she has denied giving the quotes

Borrowing images from the Black Lives Matter movement, the ad was widely accused of commodifying, hollowing out and trivialising social justice movements to sell soft drinks (Erik Pendzich/Rex/REX)

Kendall Jenner has been the subject of yet another media storm around her father this week. The model was quoted as confirming her father Bruce Jenner was 'transitioning' by magazine US Weekly, which she has strenuously denied.

"Shame on US Weekly for making up quotes," Jenner wrote on Facebook and Twitter. "I NEVER said those things. I never spoke to them."

Bruce Jenner has been the subject of tabloid speculation about his gender, despite the fact that the former athlete has not spoken about it publicly. His stepdaughter Kim Kardashian has declined to speak on the matter in the past, saying that if Jenner wanted to address the rumours, he would do it himself.

But a trans activist tells The Independent why speculating over someone's gender can be extremely damaging - whether or not the person in question is changing their body.

"Having gender reassignment should be treated like have a hernia operation or having a growth removed. It should be no big deal and just another medical procedure. So what? Who cares?"

This is not the first time Bruce Jenner has been the subject of media controversy. Earlier this year InTouch magazine PhotoShopped make-up on to a photograph of the former decathlete and printed the picture with the coverline "My Life As a Woman".

Russell Brand came to Jenner's defence in January, saying that he was the victim of transphobic bullying.

The Independent has contacted US Weekly for comment.