Kat Von D Refuses To Apologize For “Underage Red” Lipstick

Kat Von D has responded to the recent uproar about her red lipstick called ‘Underage Red,’ saying she has no plans of apologizing to those offended by the name.

‘Underage Red’ Lipstick Raises Eyebrows

Though ‘Underage Red’ has been on Sephora’s shelves for over five years, the lipstick and its creator, Von D, have suddenly been in the spotlight after a blogger tweeted her disbelief at the name on Sunday, March 15.

The tweet sparked hundreds more people who were outraged by the name, saying it sexualizes underage girls. Some declared intentions to boycott the brand and Sephora stores for selling it.

Kat Von D Responds To Controversy

Von D responded to the controversy in a lengthy Facebook post Thursday, March 19, saying that, while she understands how the name could upset some customers, her intention was never to sexualize minors. “’Underage Red’ is not a girly, pink shade. It is not a sophisticated, deep red either. It is an unapologetic, bold red. To me, ‘Underage Red’ is feminine rebellion,” Von D wrote.

The tattoo mogul revealed that she was inspired to name this particular red lipstick ‘Underage Red’ because it reminded her of the red lipstick shades she was attracted to when she was a teenager and in a bit of a rebellious phase.

“Since day one, my number one goal when creating any beauty product was (and always will be) to provide the creative tools for self-expression and to empower those who choose to wear it. It has NEVER been a goal of mine to inspire sexualization of any sort, let alone promote a destructive lifestyle,” Von D added.

Von D was clearly upset by accusations that her lipstick was somehow contributing to rape culture or normalizing violence against women, writing, “These wild, and horrific accusations proclaiming that any aspect of my makeup line would ever promote the degradation of women, statutory rape, sexual behavior, human trafficking, underage drinking, or even idealization of fleeting youth, goes against everything I stand for. So, please excuse me if I find those articles and comments appalling and inaccurate,” Von D stated.

Von D is standing by her lipstick and creative control over her product, saying she will refuse to change the shade’s name or discontinue it entirely: “So, NO. I refuse to sacrifice my integrity and creative freedom. NO. I will not be pulling ‘Underage Red’ from my collection. And NO. This is not an apology.”

Kat Von D’s Studded Kiss Lipstick in ‘Underage Red’ is currently sold out on Sephora’s website but is still being sold as an Everlasting Liquid Lipstick.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.