Kim Kardashian responds to backlash after posting photos with Lewis Hamilton following grandmother's death

Kim Kardashian has responded to criticism after posting sweet photos with Lewis Hamilton amid the announcement of her grandmother MJ's death.

The reality star has once again 'hard launched' her relationship with the Formula 1 driver after months of speculation, as the pair shared a number of romantic pictures from a family trip, which Kim captioned: "Summers at the lake with my favorite people."

Hamilton also posted some photos from their trip, as he added: "Hold your people close."

But the mom-of-four was slammed for the timing of the sweet photo dump, as the post coincided with Kris Jenner announcing the death of her mom Mary Jo Campbell, commonly referred to by the family as MJ.

Kim was quick to post a tribute of her own to her grandmother, before clearing up the timing of her post in an Instagram comment.

Kim Kardashian's grandmother MJ has sadly died at the age of 91 (@kimkardashian/Instagram)

'My heart is completely with my family right now'

She wrote in response to critics: "This post was scheduled a few days ago before we lost MJ, so its timing came right alongside her passing.

"I've been by my mom and grandma's side this past week, and my heart is completely with my family right now. We love and miss her so deeply, and in the days ahead, we'll be focusing on celebrating her beautiful life."

Writing about her grandmother in her tribte, she added: "You were the woman who showed me what it meant to be a hardworking businesswoman. You gave me my very first job at your store in San Diego and taught me lessons about work ethic, strength, and confidence that I’ve carried with me ever since."

In her own heartbreaking statement, momager Kris wrote: "Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ. There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye. My mom was the heart of our family."

Kim was quick to remind critics that her Instagram post featuring Lewis Hamilton was schdeuled days before her grandmother's passing (Instagram/@kimkardashian)

'She taught us that family is everything'

MJ was born in 1934, and died just shy of her 92nd birthday which would have fallen on July 26.

The family celebrated her 90th birthday during an episode of The Kardashians, as they threw a hotel party in San Diego, California.

Writing about her mom, Kris continued: "She taught us that family is everything. She showed us how to love unconditionally and how to find joy in the little moments. She showed me how to face life's challenges with resilience and faith.

"My heart is broken into a million pieces, thank you for giving me the greatest childhood and oh what a beautiful blessed life. I love you forever Mommy. Thank you for giving us everything."

Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.