Kendall Jenner has said that she is helping to ‘build homes’ for people in Mexico after being accused of cultural appropriation earlier this year.
The criticism came after the 25-year-old American stunner starred in an advert for her own tequila brand 818 Tequila.
Talking on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the millionaire bombshell said that the brand wants to support the local communities in Jalisco, central Mexico, where the drink is made.
Kendall said: “At our distillery, which I was just at the other day, we found a way to take the agave fibres and water waste and build sustainable brick that were are actually dominating back to the community of Jalisco.
(Image: drink818/Instagram)
“Along with saving the planet it’s important for us to be friendly to the community as well. We’re donating them and building homes for people that need homes.”
There is mixed opinion from tequila producers about Kendall’s latest business venture. The co-owners of La Gritona Tequila encapsulate the split in opinion perfectly.
One, Andy Coronado, reckons the move pulls resources from smaller brands. He said: “It is a commodity, and it boosts the prices. It leaves the rest of the tequila world to trying to … survive.”
His business partner Melly Barajas Cardenas had a different perspective: “If you say tequila, you immediately think about Mexico.
(Image: Instagram)
“I would love for it to be known all over the world by whoever because although an American creates their own brand and whether you like it or not, Mexico also sees that money because there’s no other country.”
This also isn’t the only time that Kendall’s company has been in hot water. Back in May this year, CEO of Tequila 512 Nick Matzorkis took to Instagram to highlight the similarities between the two products.
He said: “To be clear, the post does not accuse them of ‘stealing our idea,’ but does point out obvious undeniable similarities that in their entirety makes a worthy point on the face of it.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
