Kim Kardashian came under fire this week after deciding to aid victims of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines by selling off a boatload of items from her closet, a la Victoria Beckham.
Her initiative has sparked a firestorm of social media outrage after it was pointed out that only 10% of the proceeds were going to charity.
Kim Kardashian’s charitable eBay auction launched on Thursday with a number of gently used designer goods, including Christian Louboutin diamond-embellished platform pumps and a Givenchy white dress that she wore while pregnant with daughter North.
“Hi guys, this is a very special auction because a portion of the proceeds of my eBay auction are going to International Medical Corps, a nonprofit organization that provides critical health services on remote islands where families are struggling to access medical care and basic resources like food, clean drinking water and vital medications,” Kim Kardashian wrote on her website.
“The proceeds will go directly to the communities they’re serving in the Philippines and will help typhoon survivors get access to medical care and ultimately save lives. My prayers and thoughts are with those affected by the typhoon.”
Reaction to Kim Kardashian’s benevolent effort was swift and merciless.
“Kim #Kardashian is on eBay selling some of her clothes for charity. 10% goes to the charity. Hope that doesn’t break her! #generosity #vile,” tweeted one.
“What on earth does she need the money for?” asked another.
Kim Kardashian “consistently” auctions off her couture, explains her spokesperson, and always gives 10% of the money away (usually to her church).
It’s “something she learned from her father,” and she does it year-round, “not just when there’s a tragedy,” adds the rep.
For this particular auction, Kim Kardashian decided to change the beneficiary in order to help the Philippines, but she kept the percentage at the usual number.
Given how high end the items are (other designers represented include Chanel, Gucci, Lanvin and Balenciaga), a good chunk of change should be raised, even at the 10% rate.
