Kim Kardashian West Is Being Called Out for Excluding Male Models in Her Beauty Ads
As successful as Kim Kardashian West’s beauty line has been, it’s also seen its fair share of controversy. Long before KKW Beauty was ever even released, West, 37, was forced to address backlash even during early previews of the line, which many felt showcased blackface. She later received ire online for defending makeup artist Jeffree Star after racist remarks he’d made resurfaced online. Now, the soon-to-be mother of three is (sort of) facing controversy once more, but for a very different reason.
The beauty mogul recently posted an open casting call notice for “all women” over the age of 18 in the Los Angeles area to appear in upcoming KKW Beauty campaigns — a fact that didn’t sit well with everyone.
Attention LA area beauties! Join our open casting call for a chance to be featured in an upcoming #KKWBeauty campaign. Details below! pic.twitter.com/loi8XjWOfT
— KKW BEAUTY (@kkwbeauty) December 12, 2017
Influencer James Charles, best known for being the first male CoverGirl model, reportedly called the reality star out in a now-deleted tweet, writing, “Sister @KimKardashian! There are thousands of boys in cosmetics who love you [and] I’m sure would be honored to slay a photo shoot for you! This is disappointing.”
The tweet was picked up by People, bearing the headline, “Kim Kardashian slammed by male beauty blogger for only asking women to model for her makeup line.” Charles, however, is disputing the report, saying, “This headline is so beyond incorrect and is borderline defamation. Change this and do better please, this is poor journalism.” He went on to add, “I would love to know where exactly I ‘slammed’ her?”
this headline is so beyond incorrect and is borderline defamation. change this and do better please, this is poor journalism.
— James Charles (@jamescharles) December 13, 2017
I would love to know where exactly I “slammed” her? 🤔 I love @KimKardashian with all of my heart lmao how about you write about actual news like how you can text RESIST to 50409 to save net neutrality https://t.co/m4ed7665yc
— James Charles (@jamescharles) December 13, 2017
Some fans seemed to concur with the mag, particularly since Charles deleted his tweet. Others, however, felt it wasn’t so much a jab at the KUWTK star, but a difference of opinion.
Dear lord the fake news these people spread. Um no. You did NOT slam her. Just voiced your opinion about all female models.
— Not Elise (@NopeNotElise) December 13, 2017
But you did slam her though. Maybe not a harsh slam but you did slam her. Tweeting disappointment of her choosing not to include male models is definitely not a praise it’s slam.
— Leandro Bridges (@LeandroBridges) December 13, 2017
I didn’t fuck anything up Lindsey, I reached out to her team directly & deleted my tweet because It didn’t need to be handled publicly. Never slammed her & I’m certainly not embarrassed for standing up for boys in beauty 🤷🏻♀️
— James Charles (@jamescharles) December 13, 2017
Charles himself has been no stranger to controversy, apologizing earlier this year for insensitive remarks he made about getting Ebola on a visit to Africa. He was also the subject of drama involving the movie It this past fall.
If you had male models I'd love to be one 😭❤️ @KimKardashian https://t.co/wzpU72UnNi
— ✨ CryBvby ✨ (@Nigga_Dannie) June 19, 2017
Kardashian West has not commented on Charles’ remarks, or the decision to solely include female models in her campaigns.
Do you think Kim should also include male models? Tell us @BritandCo!
(Photo via Dimitrios Kambouris + Donato Sardella/Getty)