The media storm around beauty mogul and reality TV star Kylie Jenner continues to rage after the 22-year-old was removed from Forbes Magazine’s prestigious Billionaires List.
The publication made the bold decision to rid Jenner of her billionaire status after allegations that Jenner misled them and others about the extent of her wealth and the profitability of her company Coty. Now, the daughter of Kris and Caitlyn Jenner has struck back in a bid to defend herself.
In a statement on Twitter, Jenner declared:
"What am I even waking up to. I thought this was a reputable site... All i see are a number of inaccurate statements and unproven assumptions lol. I've never asked for any title or tried to lie my way there EVER. Period."
The controversy comes after Forbes reporters Chase Peterson-Withorn and Madeline Berg revealed what they claimed to be a “web of lies” surrounding Jenner and her supposed fortune. As they explained in the shocking and controversial piece, the deal to sell Coty was originally believed to be “one of the greatest celebrity cashouts of all time.”
However, after some further digging, the reporters found that the business is in fact “significantly smaller, and less profitable, than the family has spent years leading the cosmetics industry and media outlets, including Forbes, to believe."
Watch As Kylie Jenner & Friend Enjoy KylieSkin Products At Poolside:In a damning indictment, the article asserted that the saga provided proof of “how desperate some of the ultra-rich are to look even richer," and concluded:
"More likely: The business was never that big to begin with, and the Jenners have lied about it every year since 2016—including having their accountant draft tax returns with false numbers—to help juice Forbes’ estimates of Kylie’s earnings and net worth. While we can’t prove that those documents were fake (though it’s likely), it’s clear that Kylie’s camp has been lying."
Addressing these allegations directly, Jenner sent a follow-up tweet, adding, “‘even creating tax returns that were likely forged’ that’s your proof? so you just THOUGHT they were forged? like actually what am i reading.”
Given the explosive nature of the story, it seems doubtful that this saga will resolve itself any time soon.