You know it’s bad when a Kardashian cancels a public appearance.

According to Kim’s friends, she’s apparently so “distraught” over her divorce and the wave of negative publicity that followed, she’s bailing on her Australian appearances and returning to the US.

Kim is moaning to friends, The Melbourne Cup appearance — a Thoroughbred horse race — is the first time she’s ever missed work, but she says she just can’t handle it.

And, we’re told she’s saying, “I need to take care of me now, and I can’t work for awhile.”  It’s unclear if Kim means that she’s put the brakes on her reality show, or whether she’ll be selective as to what she does and doesn’t do.

She’s had a quick change of heart, just yesterday she gave an interview in which she said she “really didn’t want to bail on everyone” and comes after two full days of media and endorsements for her family’s new handbag line in Sydney.

In a statement to the Herald Sun today she said: “I am very disappointed that I am unable to attend the Swisse marquee but I hope to come back and work with the Swisse team at another point in time.”

Kim was being paid $150,000 by Swisse for a one-hour appearance.

A spokesman for the vitamin’s giant confirmed the withdrawal and said they were disappointed.

“All indications were that Kim wanted to fulfill all of her commitments once she landed in Australia but has obviously changed her mind given her very difficult personal challenges at the moment,” the spokesman said.

It is understood an email was sent out late yesterday afternoon canceling the Melbourne trip as it would be “too much” for the so-called celebrity.

Despite being too devastated to head to Melbourne, Kardashian was able to manage an in-store appearance spruiking her handbag range in Sydney today.

It’s believed Swisse tried to get visiting sister Khloe as an eleventh hour substitute but were also turned down.

The siblings will now leave Sydney for LA tomorrow.

Here are some pictures of Kim and Khloe at their handbag launch in Sydney yesterday.

Photos: INF, Source