Kylie Jenner is copping heat for throwing a Handmaid’s Tale-inspired birthday party for her friend, despite the novel and TV show’s distressing subject matter and stark similarities to the US’ current fight for reproductive rights.
Across a series of Instagram Story posts over the weekend, the 21-year-old shared vision of the intricate decorations and costumes at a birthday party for fellow influencer Anastasia Karanikolaou.
“You know The Handmaid’s Tale is my favourite show ever,” Jenner told her followers.
“So, for Stas’ birthday, welcome to Gilead,” she said, referring to the dystopian themes of the television show.
Jenner was joined by Karanikolaou, Sofia Richie and Tiffany Sorya as they pranced around in red robes worn by the titular handmaids.
It’s 2019 and Kylie Jenner is hosting a “Handmaid’s Tale” themed birthday party…SIS… pic.twitter.com/hNUTDDyTp4
— cayley (@cayley_plotkin) June 9, 2019
Social media expressed their outrage at the celebration, given the sexual abuse and oppression depicted in the series.
Bruh Kylie Jenner having a handmaid’s tale party is beyond stupid. These rich women prancing around in the outfits about women losing rights. pic.twitter.com/WeSo8H60Pk
— Jilly 😩👌💦 (@DumbBicon) June 10, 2019
Can someone please reassure me that “Kylie Jenner’s Handmaid’s Tale–Themed Party” is a phrase I hallucinated on this festering grease trap of a hellsite
— andi zeisler (@andizeisler) June 10, 2019
Kylie Jenner throwing her friend a Handmaid’s Tale themed birthday party complete with robes, Gilead flags, “Praised be” vodka and “Under his eye” tequila is so tone deaf, at any time, but especially when women’s rights and autonomy are particularly under attack. Disheartening.
— Ana María (@anamgom) June 9, 2019
You know how the people who live in the capitol of the Hunger Games series just looooovvee watching the hunger games? That is the actual mood of Kylie Jenner saying the Handmaid’s Tale is her “favorite show” 😤😤😤🤬🤬🤬
— Vanessa K (@vanosaurusrex12) June 9, 2019
The party’s theme is particularly triggering in this current political environment, given the fact that Alabama lawmakers passed a bill banning abortion in almost every circumstance.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the show’s recognisable ‘uniform’ has been used in an inappropriate context with online lingerie store Yandy releasing a risqué “Brave Red Maiden Halloween Costume” inspired by the dystopian novel and subsequent television series.
