Unfiltered and Unapologetic: The Complex World of Jeffree Star
Jeffree Star is a controversial figure in the beauty community with a massive online following. With a colorful and androgynous appearance that includes cotton-candy wigs and tattoos covering his entire body, Jeffree Star has used his love for creating online controversies to build a cosmetics empire worth millions of dollars.
1. History of racist behaviour
One of the most significant areas of criticism directed at Jeffree Star is his history of making racist comments and engaging in racist behavior. In 2017, several videos surfaced of Star using racist language, including using the N-word, and making derogatory comments about Black women. These videos led to widespread backlash, with many people calling for a boycott of his products and demanding an apology. Despite issuing a public apology, some of Star’s followers remain skeptical about his commitment to anti-racism efforts.
2. Insensitivity
After announcing his new makeup line called “Cremated,” Star received backlash on social media. On May 16, 2020, he previewed his upcoming Gothic-inspired makeup collection on YouTube. The line features an eyeshadow palette with names such as “RIP,” “Life Insurance,” and “Inheritance.” Soon after he unveiled the makeup line, a lot of people voiced their disappointment about its theme and the names used. They were outraged that Star released a makeup collection centered around funerals at a time when the pandemic has caused an overwhelming amount of deaths.
3. Involvement in Drama and Feuds
Star has also been criticized for his involvement in drama and feuds within the beauty community. While drama is not uncommon in the world of social media influencers, Star’s involvement in multiple high-profile feuds has led to accusations of toxicity and drama-mongering. One notable feud was with fellow beauty influencer James Charles in 2019. Star accused Charles of disloyalty and betrayal, which led to a public fallout between the two. The drama played out on social media and caused a significant loss of subscribers for both influencers. While they have since made up and moved on, the fallout from that feud still lingers on Star’s reputation.
However, it is important to note that while Star’s controversies have led to a decline in his following, they have also garnered him significant media attention. This attention has been instrumental in helping him grow his makeup brand, Jeffree Star Cosmetics. In fact, some people argue that Star’s controversies are part of a calculated marketing strategy to generate buzz around his brand.
It can be said that Jeffree Star is a highly successful beauty mogul. His business acumen, creativity, and bold fashion statements have made him an influential figure in the beauty industry. While he has managed to leverage his online presence and penchant for stirring drama to build a multimillion-dollar cosmetics brand, his behavior has often been problematic, offensive, and hurtful to many individuals and communities. From engaging in feuds and drama with other celebrities to promoting and using racial slurs and engaging in cultural appropriation, Jeffree has repeatedly shown that he prioritizes controversy over compassion. The impact of his behavior on his online presence and the success of his brand is a matter of debate, but one thing is clear: his actions have consequences, and it is crucial for him and his followers to acknowledge and address them. As consumers and users of social media, it is also important for us to hold influencers and celebrities accountable for their behavior and promote a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and respect online.
