On Monday, Kylie Jenner responded to backlash that came her way after she promoted a GoFundMe drive on her Instagram Stories to raise money for celebrity makeup artist Samuel Rauda. The contention coming from the people that were upset was that Jenner’s own $5,000 donation was insufficient, given her alleged net worth. And that she shouldn’t be asking fans to cover the costs.
Rauda had been involved in a bad car crash that reportedly necessitated brain surgery. His family had set up the online fundraiser, which was the link that Jenner shared. At this point it has raised almost $100k of its new $120k goal.
On Monday, Jenner stated that Rauda isn’t her makeup artist, and that the two no longer have a personal relationship. She added that she still thinks “he’s the sweetest.” She says that, when she made her $5,000 donation, the campaign had a goal of $10,000. At that point she says her money (combined with previous donations) put that goal over the top. She says she then shared the link with fans.
“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,” Kylie wrote on IG. “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 in 5k to reach their original goal and thought i’d post on my stories to gain more awareness if anyone also felt compelled to share or donate.”
She continued, “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.”
Here’s her message, as screen-captured by The Shade Room:
