Kylie Jenner is no stranger to headline-grabbing Instagrams [1], but the reality star's latest posts probably aren't getting the response she anticipated. Over the weekend, social media users accused Kylie of wearing blackface makeup [2] in a series of pictures she shared, some of which appear to have been deleted. It all started on Saturday, when Kylie posted an image from a new photo shoot. "Making MAGiC w/ KYLiZZLE. PEEPS BE GETTING TURNT UP ON THIS SKIN SITCH. BLACK LIGHTS & NEON. Does no body know about lighting ??" she reportedly wrote in the caption. Kylie followed it up with a second close-up of the look, reportedly writing, "What I wish I looked like all the time." In an attempt to set the record straight, she shared a third photo, writing, "This is a black light and neon lights people lets all calm down."
This is a black light and neon lights people lets all calm down @marcelocantuphoto @joycebonelli @chrisdylanhair @hubblestudio [3]
Kylie also took to Twitter to further clarify what the photos show.
so just got the time to head on social media lol.. The photographer used a black light & neon lights for those photos.
— Kylie Jenner (@KylieJenner) April 5, 2015 [4]
Yes, In another world I wish I could have pink hair & blue eyes & covered in sparkles.
— Kylie Jenner (@KylieJenner) April 5, 2015 [5]
But in this world I'm happy w the way God created me. Happy Easter everybody
— Kylie Jenner (@KylieJenner) April 5, 2015 [6]
The photos and ensuing conversation caught the attention of Zendaya Coleman, who recently found herself at the center of controversy after Fashion Police host Giuliana Rancic received a backlash for her comments on Zendaya's look [7] at the Oscars. On Saturday, Zendaya seemed to show her support for Kylie when she commented on one of the Instagrams with hand-clapping emoji. Twitter user BlvckConscious was one of the users who called her out, sharing a screenshot of Zendaya's comment.
@Zendaya [8] I need you to explain why you support Kylie Jenner's decision to publicly display blackface. pic.twitter.com/YIN6O7vbq5 [9]
— Queen Kay (@BlvckConscious) April 4, 2015 [10]
Later that day, Zendaya explained that she reconsidered her stance on the photos.
At first, I saw more of an avatar look but thank y'all for keepin me on point....we all gotta stay aware of what image we project #lessons [11]
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) April 5, 2015 [12]