Kylie Jenner GoFundMe Request Ignites Twitter Backlash

“Why is Kylie Jenner asking for donations to fund her makeup artist’s surgery when she’s a billionaire?”

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Kylie Jenner has ignited a fiery internet controversy after the multimillionaire makeup mogul asked fans to contribute to a GoFundMe. 

The fundraiser supports celebrity makeup artist Samuel Rauda, who underwent surgery after sustaining injuries stemming from a serious accident, according to the New York Post

“Swipe up to visit his families [sic] go fund me,” Jenner’s Instagram plug read. The request didn’t sit well with some followers, with some noting that she’s worked with Rauda. 

“Why is kylie jenner asking for donations to fund her makeup artist’s surgery when she’s a billionaire,” one user tweeted. Jenner was named the world’s youngest “self-made” billionaire by Forbes in 2020, but the financial publication later revoked the title after calculating her actual net worth to be around $900 million. 

“If I was as rich as Kylie Jenner I simply wouldn’t ask ppl on the internet to donate for my best friend’s brain surgery but we all built different i guess!” another posted.

“How come Kylie Jenner isn’t paying her makeup artist enough to afford a 60k surgery? That’s the real question. Her business is makeup. He’s her makeup artist! He’s not bringing in millions?!?” one more wrote.

“Sam underwent major surgery on Sunday, 3/14/21. He has a long road to recovery ahead of him,” the GoFundMe page reads. “I know he is loved by many.”

“Your donations will help cover the cost of his medical expenses and whats [sic] to come. Please know that a donation of any amount is greatly appreciated. The Lord bless you abundantly!”

At the time of publication, 324 donors had contributed nearly $100,000, putting the fundraiser on track to reach a target of $120,000. Under a list of top donations, a user named “kylie jenner” gave $5,000. 

While many criticized Jenner, some came to her defense.

“She didn’t organize the gofundme page, it was published by Johanna Portillo 5 days ago,” one Twitter user wrote. 

“She made a donation on Day 2 when she found out about the gofundme page probably. The fact that she donated something is important.”

On Monday, March 22, Jenner finally weighted in with a lengthy statement on Instagram Stories, Elle reports:

 She specified that Rauda is not her makeup artist, they don’t have a personal relationship currently, but they’ve worked together in the past, and “he’s the sweetest.” She called the “false narrative” and commentary around her actions “so twisted.”

Read the full text of Kylie’s IG Story defense below to judge for yourself:

I feel it’s important for me to clear up this false narrative that I’ve asked fans for money and am not paying for my makeup artist’s medical bills.

Sam isn’t my makeup artist and unfortunately we don’t have a personal relationship anymore but I have worked with him a few years ago and think he’s the sweetest. I saw my current makeup artist and friend Ariel post about Sam’s accident and his family’s gofundme and I called Ariel immediately to see what happened to Sam. After learning in more detail about the accident it compelled me to visit his gofundme which was set at 10k. They had already raised 6k so I put it in 5k to reach their original goal and thought I’d post on my stories to gain more awareness if anyone also felt compelled the share or donate. I don’t know how all of this got so twisted but his family has reached out through Ariel and are very appreciative of all the donations, prayers, and love towards Sam.

Anyone that knows me knows that I do things from the heart and I try to be helpful whenever I can be. Let’s all stay positive and keep Sam, his family, and anyone you know who is going through a difficult time in our prayers. I hope you have a beautiful day and let’s encourage each other to help.

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