Photo: Presley Ann/Getty Images
Too Face Cosmetics has severed ties with founder Jerrod Blandino’s sister after she made a transphobic remark seemingly aimed atNikkie de Jager, according to a statement from the makeup brand.
The remark caused an uproar among social media users, with many calling for a boycott of Too Face Cosmetics in response to the comment.
On Tuesday, Blandino, 49,released a statementto condemn his sister’s words, reading: “I would like to make sure it is understood that although I love my sister very much, the things she says or does have absolutely nothing to do with me and do not in any way reflect me, my opinions, thoughts, or feelings nor speak for me or Too Faced in any way shape or form.”
The statement continued, “I have always stood for love, equality, and kindness in my life and everything I do. I am sorry for the hurt she has caused. Let it be known that I am truly shocked and disgusted to my core at her recent actions.”
Blandino also shared that his sister was no longer with his company, though he did not specify which role she occupied prior to her termination.
“I do not tolerate this behavior, and she is no longer an employee of Too Faced,” he said. “I would like to say how proud I am of Nikkie Tutorials, and how inspired I am for her strength and sharing her beautiful truth with the world. I am sending all my love to her.”
Blandino’s sister sincechanged her Instagram bioto read: “Lets be clear, I love trans people & dislike anyone who lies to hurt others! Period!”
De Jager came out as transgender to her over 12 million YouTube subscribers and over 13 million Instagram followers in an emotionally candid video.
“Today I am here to share something with you that I’ve always wanted to share with you one day, but under my own circumstances,” she began in the 17-minute clip. “And it looks like that chance has been taken away from me. So today I am taking back my own power.”
“When I was younger, I was born in the wrong body which means that I am transgender. Now, so surreal saying this. Filming this video is scary but it feels so liberating and freeing,” de Jager said.
“I am NikkieTutorials and I am Nikkie,” she continued. “I am me. We don’t need labels. If we are going to put a label on it, yes, I am transgender. But at the end of the day, I am me. And at the end of the day, you are you.”
De Jager touched on her relationship with fiancé,Dylan(who proposed during a trip to Italy over the summer) telling fans that she “wished she told him sooner” but that they are handling matters privately.
She added she didn’t publicly disclose her transgender identity sooner because she “wanted my channel to be about my art.”
“At the end of the day, my story is beautiful,” she said. “I’m proud of my story. No more holding back. No more secrets.”
source: people.com
