Kylie Jenner has responded to the criticism she's getting for asking followers to donate to an emergency fund for her make-up artist's life-saving surgery rather than paying the US$60,000 bill herself.
Named the youngest-ever self-made billionaire by Forbes in 2019, Jenner asked her Instagram followers on Monday to visit the GoFundMe page of Samuel Rauda, reportedly one of her make-up artists who required "major" surgery after a serious car accident.
Fans noticed Jenner only donated US$5000 herself, triggering outrage with many questioning why she couldn't fork out the cash to cover his entire bill.
The make-up-mogul has responded on Instagram to what she calls the "false narrative".
"Sam isn't my make-up 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," she wrote to her Story, explaining Sam is friends with her current make-up artist Ariel.
Jenner says she saw Ariel post about Sam's accident on Instagram and "immediately" called him to learn what happened. After hearing the details she says she visited Sam's GoFundMe page, which had a fundraising goal of US$10,000.
The Kylie Cosmetics founder then made a donation as a final push to reach the goal.
"They had already raised 6k so I put in 5k to reach their original goal and thought I'd post on my Story to gain more awareness if anyone also felt compelled to share or donate."
She says she doesn't know how the story "got so twisted", adding that Sam's family have reached out via Ariel to say thanks for 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 your prayers," she wrote as the final part of her response.
Jenner initially faced criticism when social media commentators pointed out how small her donation was compared to her staggering fortune, which is frequently evidenced by the luxury goods and holidays featured on her Instagram.
"She buys her toddler literal diamond rings and Birkin bags yet she won't fork over 60k for her friend and crucial employee (he's her make-up artist, Kylie's whole image depends on make-up artists) what the actual f**k," one Buzzfeed commenter wrote.
Critics were shocked to see her lack of financial help towards an employee, but some have changed their tune after learning her side of the story.
"See, if only we had known it was originally 10k and she donated the rest. Because we were under the impression that she only donated 5k when it asked for 60k," one Twitter user wrote.
"I completely understand 5k to Kylie is pennies. But she isn't compelled to do anything. This artist hasn't even done her makeup in years AND what she donated exceeded the remaining amount to reach the goal," said another.
Others still believed it was up to Jenner to foot the bill, no matter the closeness of the relationship.
"She still didn't explain why she couldn't just transfer 60k to his bank account but OK."
"Unfortunately we don't have a personal relationship anymore... so if he dies idc xoxo."
Twitter users also speculated why the goal was increased by so much.
"If her donation exceeded the goal... why did she share the GoFundMe and ask people to donate?" a user asked, another responding: "Apparently Ariel asked her to post it, then the family increased the goal from 10k to 60k."
Jenner was named the highest-earning celebrity in the world in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, pulling in a jaw-dropping US$590 million.
