While Kylie Jenner may not be a billionaire, the 22-year-old entrepreneur and reality star is still the highest-earning celebrity in the world.
On Thursday, Forbes released its annual list of the 100 highest-paid celebrities, and Jenner ranked No. 1 with $590 million earnings in the last year, making her the second youngest on the list after musician Billie Eilish. This list came days after Forbes raised questions about Jenner’s billionaire status and alleged the mogul inflated the success of her brand.
“Kylie’s business is significantly smaller, and less profitable, than the family has spent years leading the cosmetic industry and media outlets, including Forbes, to believe,” wrote Forbes.
Jenner has denied these accusations on Twitter.
what am i even waking up to. i thought this was a reputable site.. all i see are a number of inaccurate statements and unproven assumptions lol. i’ve never asked for any title or tried to lie my way there EVER. period
— Kylie Jenner (@KylieJenner) May 29, 2020
Despite the recent squabble, the “Kylie Cosmetics” founder was still named the highest-paid celebrity, who ranked second on last year’s list. According to Forbes, Jenner made the bulk of her earnings after selling 51% of her beauty company to Coty, Inc., and has an estimated net worth of $900 million.
Forbes named Jenner’s brother-in-law, Kanye West, as the second highest-paid celebrity and No. 1 highest-paid musician in the world, earning $170 million over the past year. The rapper and gospel musician publicly criticized the magazine last November for not naming him a billionaire.
Jenner and West were also both in the top three spots on the list last year.
While West has not yet spoken out about his feat publicly, he recently participated in public protests in Chicago following George Floyd’s death and donated $2 million for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery’s families.
Athletes Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi followed Jenner and West in the top 5, while movie mogul Tyler Perry, soccer player Neymar, radio host Howard Stern, Lakers star LeBron James and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson rounded out the top 10 highest-paid celebrities.
by Jenna Ryu