Kylie Jenner sparked outrage on Twitter at the weekend after encouraging fans to contribute an online fundraiser for makeup artist Samuel Rauda, who was involved in a serious incident and underwent surgery last week.
Jenner, 23, who worked with Rauda, recently promoted a GoFundMe page dedicated to funding his medical expenses in his Instagram story, telling his 222 million followers: “Pass up to visit your families [sic] go finance me, ”according to The Sun.
The request did not please fans, who noted that Jenner could potentially have financed the costs, as she has an estimated net worth of just under $ 900 million.
“Why is Kylie Jenner asking for donations to fund her makeup artist’s surgery when she is a billionaire? a user tweeted.
“If I were as rich as Kylie Jenner, I simply wouldn’t ask people on the internet to donate for my best friend’s brain surgery, but I think we all build different things!” another posted.
“Why isn’t Kylie Jenner paying her makeup artist enough to pay for 60,000 surgery? That is the real question. Your business is makeup. He’s her makeup artist! Isn’t he bringing millions?!? ” one wrote.
Earlier this week, a GoFundMe page was created to help cover Rauda’s medical expenses. In a list of major donations, a “kylie jenner” seemed to be donating $ 5,000.
As of Sunday, more than $ 97,000 has been raised with a target of $ 120,000.
“We would like to extend our most sincere thanks to everyone who donated or sent prayers in support of Samuel,” posted organizer Johanna Portillo on the page on Saturday. “We feel love and know that your continued prayers for healing are very much appreciated. It has been uplifting to witness how Sam has not only brought a ray of light into our lives, but to many people around the world.
“It’s been a week since Sam’s accident. It has not been easy. In the midst of it all, Sam continues to fight, showing us how strong he really is. Please keep sending prayers to him, ”she continued.
Amid Sunday’s reaction, some defended Jenner online.
“She didn’t organize the gofundme page, it was published by Johanna Portillo 5 days ago. + the target is $ 120,000 and she made a donation on day 2 when she probably found out about the gofundme page. The fact that she donated something is important. Don’t discard it, ” a user posted.
In 2019, Forbes named Jenner the “youngest self-made” billionaire in the world at the age of 21. Last spring, however, the publication withdrew the title, noting at the time: “Kylie’s business is significantly smaller and less profitable than the family has spent years leading the cosmetics and media industry, including Forbes, to believe. . ”
A representative for Jenner did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.