Kylie Jenner responds to GoFundMe backlash

Kylie Jenner is clearing up the “false narrative” that’s popped up in the news about her this week. Over the weekend Jenner had shared a GoFundMe link with fans in order to help the family of makeup artist Samuel Rauda raise money for medical bills that he racked up after a serious surgery. However, people weren’t there for it, wondered why the billionaire didn’t just front the money herself, and assumed she had set up the fund.

According to Jenner there were some false facts in the story, however. Rauda is not her makeup artist, and he and Jenner aren’t in each other’s lives. She had heard that he was in an accident from her current makeup artist Ariel Tejada, and went to the already established GoFundMe page to see if she could help.

“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,” Jenner clarified in an Instagram story on March 22. “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,” she continued. “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.”

Jenner then revealed that after she learned more about the accident she made a $5,000 donation, topping the original goal of $10,000. She then posted about the incident on her stories to help raise more awareness in case anyone “felt compelled” to share and donate. According to the reality star and makeup mogul, Rauda’s family was grateful for the extra publicity and they then upped the goal to $120,000. At time of press, the family has raised just over $100,000. “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,” Jenner added.

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In her next post, Jenner further clarified her intentions and called on kindness. “Anyone that knows me knows that I do things from the heart and try to be helpful whenever I can,” she wrote. “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.”

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On Rauda’s GoFundMe page there are no details about his accident or the surgery that he needed, but the family did reveal that he underwent a major surgery on March 14 and has a long road to recovery ahead of him. “It has been a week since Sam’s accident,” they shared in an update on March 20. “It has not been easy. In the midst of it all, Sam continues to fight, showing us how strong he truly is. Please continue to send prayers his way.”

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