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When Kat Von D announced a contest to celebrate the relaunch of her Saint and Sinner perfumes earlier this year, fans instantly started submitting some amazing makeup interpretations of the scents. What no one was expecting, though, was the alleged outcome of the contest. After Gypsy Freeman was publicly named the winner, she was set to claim her prize: free makeup from Sephora and Kat Von D, as well as an all-expenses-paid trip to L.A. for the perfume launch party. When social media users went to her Instagram page to find out more about her, they discovered a photo supporting Donald Trump from Election Day 2016. And here's where things got tricky.
Gypsy told The Wichita Eagle that after Kat discovered her prior post, she rescinded the invite and trip portion of the prize, allegedly citing the post as the reason. According to Gypsy, Kat messaged her from her personal account and said, "I did notice the pro-Trump post you posted awhile back and and just wanted to make sure you are aware that even though I don't consider myself political, I definitely have drawn a personal line in the sand between myself and anyone who supports that man." Gypsy took screenshots of their conversation and provided them to the publication, detailing their reported conversation.
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“My launch party [and my brand] celebrates many things that Trump is against,” Kat writes in the screenshots. “And I just need you to know that I personally have a hard time with inviting anyone who would support such an anti-feminist, anti-homosexual/LGBT, anti-immigrant, and anti-climate change fascist such as Trump.” Gypsy replied that she was understanding of Kat's stance, but disappointed: "I am, however, not Trump.... I won’t be upset with you if you can’t have us there for these reasons, and I wish you the best. We would love to be there, of course, but I sincerely do understand if you decide to replace us with someone who supports the candidate you support.”
Kat then disagreed with Gypsy's assertion: "It’s not about inviting people based on their political stance — it’s just extremely difficult (borderline impossible) for me to be friends with or associate with anyone who would support a man who goes against everything I stand for. I would feel the same way towards people who supported Hitler, or any other fascist." The conversation continued, with the final screenshot showing Kat writing, "I sincerely admire your talent, regardless of your differences," and Gypsy agreeing.
While that alleged conversation was private, Gypsy then publicly shared her story with The Wichita Eagle, claiming that what she experienced was "definitely bigotry.... It's a huge case of hypocrisy."
The initial contest posts have been deleted on both Kat's personal and brand Instagram accounts, although she has yet to comment on the story.
Updated Jul 27, 1:30PM: Kat to the comments section of one of her Instagram posts to clarify her stance. “No one got disqualified, so calm down," she wrote. "I personally messaged her sharing MY personal feelings on the subject as to avoid her getting even more criticism than she already was receiving. She decided on her own to not come to my launch. And further more, just like everyone has the right to support whomever they choose, I have the right to set my own personal boundaries."
She went on to ask that commenters show respect for her online: "If you want to explain to my Mother who lives in Mexico why she should pay for a wall to be built, and why she should have to deal with the negativity that comes with such anti-Mexican statements as our president has made, feel free. If you want to explain to me why anyone should tell me what rights I have over my own body, feel free. If you want to promote someone who is anti-immigrant, anti-LGBT, anti-women, and denies climate change - feel free. But don't throw a tantrum on my personal Instagram if I personally don't back YOUR choices. Have a great day. X."
Photo: courtesy of Instagram/@thekatvond.
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