8 months ago, Jeffree Star’s racist comments were finally exposed and recognised. Although there was heavy backlash, and rightfully so, many of his fans rushed to his defence. While their blissful ignorance is indescribably harmful, there is one side of this issue that was never brought to light. This issue is the fact that many people; including people who are regarded as ‘influencers,’ are continuing to support his cosmetics line.
YouTubers such as ShaaanXO and Shani Grimmond still support Jeffree’s brand despite his racist comments being brought to light. While they claim they only use these cosmetics due to their ‘good formulas,’ and claim that they ‘do not support’ Jeffree’s actions, by funding his cosmetic line, they are directly funding a man who obviously has no regard for the safety or lives of anyone who isn’t white.
@JeffreeStar EVERYONE has messed up in life, especially when we go back 10 years. None of us are saints. Its how you are NOW that matters!
— Shaaanxo ? (@xoShaaan) July 4, 2016
It is almost impossible to fathom why someone would continually purchase from Jeffree Star Cosmetics after the revelation of his comments, saying that he would “throw battery acid” on a black woman if it would lighten her skin, as well as repeatedly making transphobic, misogynistic and racist comments.
While to some it may seem harmless to continue to buy from Jeffree’s cosmetics line, what is often not spoken about is the fact that through purchasing his cosmetics, watching his videos and even simply following him on Twitter, these actions are giving him the air time he will never deserve, nor should have had in the first place. Through purchasing his cosmetics and watching his videos, he is making his salary. Why is it fair that a man who disregards so many minority groups is still a major figure in the beauty community?
As well as this, Jeffree’s fellow ‘beauty guru’ friends such as MannyMUA and NikkieTutorials are still being supported by the makeup community despite their extremely public support for Jeffree. It is blatant that they are ignoring actions which should not be viewed as acceptable, and erasing the blame from these kinds of people, who stand up for bigots, is only adding to the problem.
Before purchasing, subscribing to, or giving public support to ‘beauty gurus,’ ensure that you are educated on any public controversy they may have been involved in. Through supporting Jeffree, and those makeup artists who still support his cosmetic line despite his comments, it makes public the notion that bigotry is something which is still glossed over in today’s world: something everyone needs to be willing to change. Not buying that eyeshadow palette or that lipstick is worth it, trust me.
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