Kendall Jenner, the U.S. model and media personality who rose to fame in the reality television show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” has found herself in a spot of hot water in this part of the world.
Just days after the California launch party for her new tequila brand, 818, Jenner came in for criticism for “cultural appropriation,” after promotional images featured her on horseback in agave fields and sipping the fiery drink from a glass (sacrilege to some). She’s “exploiting the image of the campesinos,” raged one social media commentator. “I’m sure she’s not aware of the crisis these people are in, living alongside narcos,” said another.
Appearing in a recent edition of “The Tonight Show” on CBS, Jenner defended her new product, denying she is taking advantage of Mexican workers, and explaining what she is giving back to the community in Jalisco, where her tequila is made.
Jenner said her agave waste —agave fibers and the water waste—are combined and transformed into sustainable bricks to build homes for the needy.
Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.