Rapper Kanye West has reportedly condemned Kim Kardashian’s recent TV appearance as a “cheap stunt”.

Kim appeared briefly in a pre-recorded message on her mother Kris Jenner’s talk show on Friday and it is the first time she has been seen in the public eye since the birth of her and Kanye’s daughter North last June.

A source told Heat magazine: Kanye had been relishing Kim's break from the limelight. Her fame is a huge bone of contention in their relationship. It was Kris' idea to get Kim on the show, she needs better viewing figures. But Kanye thought it was a pretty cheap stunt.

"But fame is in Kim's blood. Having to hide away like she has, has been is tearing her apart. She wants to get back out there properly and share North with her fans. Kanye doesn't want their baby publicised at all, so the longer she and North are in the house the better as far as he's concerned. For Kanye, being A-list means less is more. But the Kardashians think more is more."

Kanye’s opinions are said to be a constant source of tension between himself and Kim’s family.

He wants North to remain anonymous for as long as possible but there has also been talk of a huge photo deal which the Kardashian’s would clearly be hoping for.