Melodie Monrose – Vogue Japan
For the last couple of days I’ve been down, sad, not myself and just utterly out of everything. One of the reasons being: I work a lot, I have my dreams that I want to fulfill and in order to fulfill them I have to work hard. Simple as is.
But the biggest reason must be because of what happened after I uploaded a video called:
“Christmas has been REMIXED!”
Now, I’m pretty sure everyone knows what video I’m talking about now. And I’ve been going back and forth on whether I wanted tell you guys my part or just silence..
I talked about this with a very close friend of mine, and his advice was to “let it rest”.
A very known fact about me is that I’m a feelings-person. Whatever the situation, most of the times my heart makes all of the decisions and not my brains.
And that’s exactly why I’m writing this, tonight, for all of you that are interested in hearing my part of the story.
____________________________________________________________
It all started weeks ago when I was browsing on my Instagram, and saw that the crazy talented makeup artist Alex Box had created a stunning picture with 2 girls (same model) one painted as a white doll, and the other as a black doll.
I loved everything about it. I loved the contrast in colors and how Alex transformed the same model from one look to another. It takes a lot of work to do something like that and I just had so much respect for Alex. Racism never occurred to me. Ever.
Then a about a week later my dear friend JF texted me this same image and asked me to do a collaboration on it. We would both do a recreation of the image, one being the black doll and the other the white. Again, Racism never occurred to me.
If there’s one thing you need to know about me it’s that I’m everything but racist.
I love people with a different color and different appearances, I get fascinated by it.
I love different ethnicities. In fact, my first ever best friend was an Asian girl.
When I receive a callsheet for a shoot I work on, I jump in the air when I see we’re having a dark-skinned model. These people are the most fun to do makeup on, and have a good time with while doing all of it.
This might be because here in Holland we have a mixture of all the people you can think of. We have about every skin color here. Even orange ;)
And growing up as a kid, I never had any problems with people different than me.
Conclusion: I love people with a different color. I think it’s the most beautiful thing ever.
____________________________________________________________
So I film my part for the collab with JF, and I’m loving every second of it. Dabbing that white paint on, it just felt as if I was transforming myself into this beautiful white doll.
Now JF already had sent me his version of his look, and I loved it.
This entire time I had NO idea Illamasqua got extreme loads of hate for this campaign.
Somehow, I had never seen an article on beauty blogs, twitter or facebook on how people hated this campaign. I had no idea. And I swear to my mother, I really have never seen an article on it, ’till after uploading my video.
I upload the video, and 2 minutes later I get my first “hate” comment. Nothing new, I’m used to people not liking my videos all the time. But as time passes, the hate got extreme. People telling me they lost all respect for me, because I was promoting: “Blackface”.
Some of you will call me a fake-lying-asshole for saying this… But my entire life I had never heard of Blackface, nor what it did to the dark-skinned-people community.
People were devastated, disappointed and angry with me. People called me a racist.
And this broke my heart. I’ve always had an amazing connection with my subscribers, I love them. And reading comments like that just snapped me.
I started searching what Blackface was all about and it was never my intention to hurt any of you. Ever. Therefore, I again, want to apologize for hurting any of your feelings.
As you might have noticed, I took my video down.
I know some of you have lost all respect for me, but I hope that with this blogpost, my part in all of this is a little bit more clear. And from the bottom of my heart, please forgive me..
It was never my intention to hurt your feelings and I’m truly sorry for that.
Thank you for reading,
Nikkie
Sterkte Nikkie! <3
Oh dear, don’t blame it on you! It’s that other people missunderstood such a brilliant idea. Don’t let evil minds put you down. You and JF both have talent and why not show it through art like make up? Please don’t be discouraged. There will always be people who hate and missinterpret. Just keep on with your mission and everything will come out right, just as it’s supposed to be :)
There was one that Dustyohunter did, he had to do a disclaimer on the video that it had nothing to do with blackface. it was the halloween video he did i’m sure you saw. I had a feeling when i saw JF’s first this was going to happen. People need to GROW UP, and not everything is related to racisim
Hi nikkie, vervelend dat dit gebeurd is zeg. Om eerlijk te zijn weet ik ook niet wat ‘blackface’ is, ik neem aan dat dit in Nederland niet of nauwelijks bekend is. Ik vind dat je het netjes opgelost heb zo, ook al had je geen idee wat je fout had gedaan. Ik wet zeker dat veel bezoekers dit van je zullen waarderen! Mijn beeld is in elk geval niet van je veranderd, ik vind je filmpjes nog net zo leuk als altijd. Liefs.
It never occured to me either that it was racist, and when I first heard it was I didn’t get why but after reading up on why it’s so offensive I get it now. Now we know! It’s like the lack of racism in our countries causes us to be ignorant! It was never your intention to hurt anyone so don’t stress too much
xx
You and JF did an incredible job on the makeup you did, and it looked beautiful! The thought of racism never crossed my mind when I was watching the video, but when I scrolled to the comments a few people seemed to be offended. I think what you and JF created was art, and not meant to be hurtful in any way. It sucks that some people took it the completely wrong way. Keep doing what you’re doing, lady! <3
HOW can anyone even THINK of saying such things? I loved your video of the illamasqua campaign and it never EVER occured to me either that it was rasicm. I love how different skincolours look with the same shade of eyeshadow, and one of my best friends is from africa aswell!
Nikkie, NEVER EVER _EVER_ feel bad about ANYTHING you do that makes you proud! If you love the look that you created, share it with us! You should NEVER be ashamed for something you have done, because that would be a waste of time, and space. And you are NOT a waste of time and space. AT ALL.
Never doubt youself, and the hate that you will get will only make you stronger. You will always find that in times when you doubt yourself, when you feel that you’ll fall, you will find the people who are strong enough to pull you up.
Love ya loads, keep being the strong, independent and funny person you are.
Hey Nikkie! I didn’t see that video but I just wanted to say that I think you are a beautiful person, inside and out. And you shouldn’t listen to all the haters – you know the truth and that’s all that matters. They always see what they want to see. Much love and support from Austria!
I was shocked when I saw your video, because of the campaign’s backlash and all. I was disappointed at first, but now that feeling is gone. Especially now that you’ve acknowledged the racism and the blackface and haven’t just ignored it.
But I think we’re all going to do mistakes in our lives and I think the important thing is to regret them, acknowledge it and apologize and mean it and learn from the mistake. Like you’ve done. None of that erases the hurt, but I think you’ve done the right thing in a complicated situation. Here’s at least one person, who hasn’t lost respect for you.
How can you say it was the right thing to put the video down. Would you have lost your respect for her when she would’ve let it online ?
THIS is ART… Does not matter if Alex Box, Dustyohunter, JFCD or Nikkietutorials does something like this… It is and always will be art, just for their love and creativity… People always get offended by Art, because they don’t think… they don’t want to just let it be ART… They always judge. And THIS is how you destroy art and beautiful minds full of creativity…
Nikkie… really, you can explain yourself but you don’t have to be sorry for that or take down this wonderful video wich cost you and JFCD a whole lot of work…
All my respect for you and your work.
I agree with Julie.
I too never thought of racism. And I start thinking that if it weren´t for those “defenders of the races” this wouldn´t have happened.
They try being oh so politically correct, when in fact it´s them who put this negative twist into things that weren´t meant to harm or hurt people in any way.
Aren´t they racist for trying to find these notions in things?
I too, had never heard of the term black face.
Maybe that´s also more of an american thing. Here in Europe I cannot think of a reason to consider this racist. Especially if you took a look at wikipedia, you´d see that this black face plays with stereotypical facial features. Nikkie didn´t. Illamasqua didn´t.
So stop making a big deal out of everything.
Aren´t people allowed to use dark colours because it always will refer negatively to dark-skinned people?
Then also stop using white, yellow, and whatever other stereotipical colour there is. You might offend me when you´re putting on make-up.
I wish you hadn´t put the video down. It was awesome. <3
AMEN!!!
AGREED. It was an amazing video and the work you did was, as always, beautiful. Do you people really think Nikki and JF would be intentionally racist and offensive? No. So lets all calm down!
Dont worry Nikkie, Ur so talented dont leave that this make u down, keep Doing!
Kisses,From Dom Republic!
Stay strong, remember?
You did the right thing and we all know you’re a wonderful person.
We love you and support you, Nikkie!
See you in your next video. o/
muack :*
Lieve Nikkie,
Je hebt het prachtig geschreven. Ik heb de video bekeken op JF zijn youtube. Om eerlijk te zijn vind ik er niks racistisch in voorkomen of laten overkomen. Wat er wel in voorkwam is dat jullie geinspireerd waren door Alex Box.
Ik hoop dat mensen zullen inzien dat jij totaal niet racistisch bent of de bedoeling hebt om mensen te kwetsen.
Je bent een onzettend getalenteerd persoon en twijfel nooit aan jezelf.
Liefs,
Anne
I’m SO sorry to read this, honey. I don’t think you deserve this. I mean, everyone makes mistakes and people should have told you with respect because you didn’t know, and I know know for sure (and I don’t think I’m the only one) that you did it with your best intention. I love Alex Box too, because of her creativity and her concept of make up and it’s easy to get inspiration from her, but sometimes people don’t understand that way of art and try to search for a meaning that doesn’t exist. Anyway, I’m sending all the virtual love I can (you live in Holland and I live in Spain) and all my support, you’re an amazing make up artist and a wonderful woman and I really admire you (I’m 18 too, and I’d love to be a make up artist but I’m a coward), everytime you upload a video you make my day! Always have in mind that we love you and sometimes it can be really hard to achieve your dreams, but it worth the hype :D
I’m sorry that happened to you. I love the video and Alex Box. It was art and had nothing to do with race. We need to pray for the people that took it wrong. I love you videos because you are very talented. —Lizzie from Dallas Texas
Nikki,
I have watched you for about 2 1/2 years, i would never loose respect for you, JF had the brilliant idea of recreating Illamasqua Campaign, It was an amazing video to watch , I know some people seen it as racism but they shouldn’t of done, It was a simple recreation…I actually feel sorry for them people, I know it is hard for you to take the fact that some people felt the need to loose respect for you, But you shouldn’t you still have Subscribers like me.
Just keep your head held high and keep making them amazing tutorials.
Much Love & Alot of respect
Love Katie xxx
I still love and have respect for you Nikkie. I know that art and beauty is always you intention for your videos. :) people are over sensitive and get upset for no reason simply because they have nothing better to do or everybody else seems to feel the same way and they have no opinion of their own so they go along with what other people say. Don’t listen to them. You’re still lovely :) <3
Nikkie you’re simply awesome. You are loved by much more people than the small bunch who “hate” you because honestly who could hate you. It makes me sad to see how ignorant people can be, please keep doing what you’re doing for all of us who admire your art and skill. <3
A lot of americans don’t realise that in Europe we aren’t taught American history anymore than Americans’ are taught a great deal of European history. So it’s perfectly normal for you as European to not know about Blackface, and it perfectly clear that you in no way meant it to be racist and it was a video celebrating the beauty of contrast.
People NEED to stop shoving race into everything, stop assuming that everyone in the world has the same history as you (with the same negative association), and stop using the whole “racism” card when it’s an obvious misunderstanding.
As an European the only thing I can do is agree.
Nikkie i think ur a beautiful girl and i can tell ur very sweet. I am mixed race (blasian), and i really feel sad that u had to experience that. I would hate to do a makeup look that i really loved for the world to see and get hateful comments about it especially racist ones. I am glad u said something becuz i dont kno what that is either! U just helped another makeup artist and probably many others, so keep up ur work. I am still watching and u r a huge inspiration. Maybe one day we can collab!
This is insane what you did was beautiful!! I loved that look. People now and days get way to sensitive when it comes to talking about race and being races!!!! What you and the other person did what’s NOT racest!! It was something called ART!!!!! Don’t listen to them keep doing what you do! :)
Nikkie I have been watching your videos for years now
If there are two things that are evident about you
Its that you are not only an extremely talented artist
But a caring person. I watch your videos and take them
For what they are… Art. I can’t take away the things others have
Said but I would like to think that those of us that have
Been with you for yrs know that it wasn’t your intention
To hurt people. You can’t please everyone but you still have
A subscriber in me. Chin up girl you are amazing and I can
Guarantee you people will find something else to harp on
In a few days.
Hey Nikkie,
I’ve subscribed to your youtube-channel because of your amazing skills, creativity and wonderful personality. I’m also subscribed to JF and follow both of you on Instagram. When I first saw a picture of your collab, it never occured to me that it could be associated with racism! For me, it was pure art. You’ve done it so beautifully and it’s a shame you had to put it down. Please don’t let the hate get to you. You are wonderful and a huge inspiration to me.
Don’t be sad, you really are not to blame. I had to google this “blackface” thing myself because let’s face it: racism against dark skinned people just isn’t that popular in Europe.
In school you get taught about what the Nazis did alongside a brief notice about the American Ku Klux Klan and how the blacks handled segregation but you’re never taught about things like Blackface. Thinking in the context of globalization it probably should be added to the curriculum at some point to avoid situations like this.
I think that – being based in Europe – you either need to be a victim or a racist to be familiar with this kind of stuff because as a normal person who has never taken interest in hurting others on purpose you just don’t know about these things.
A-frikin-men!
Oh, dear. I didn’t even catch the video, because I’ve been soooo busy but I have no doubt in my mind that you NEVER intended to hurt or upset anyone. You are one of the sweetest people I’ve ever came across. With your honest and loving demeanor, of course you couldn’t see any racism in it. To be honest I’ve never heard or “blackface” either, I had to google it. And honestly it disturbed me. If you respect the differences in others it will suprise you that people can act that way. I love all the things that make us different, I honestly hate when people of different nationalities try to conform to what the media thinks is “beautiful”. We should embrace what makes us different. Nikkie, I will continue to support, follow, and subscribe to you!
Love,
Lisa S.
(Girlofpages)
Je bent een toppertje Nikkie! Juist dat je je dit aantrekt zegt zoveel over dat je een lief en goed persoon bent. Probeer het je niet zo aan te trekken. Veel sterkte.. X
In America the racism line is very thin, thats what i’ve experienced anyway. In Holland we really don’t feel it that way because we have SO many different cultures here. And for people who don’t know; is that countries like Suriname and Antilles are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. These are black people, which speak Dutch and a lot of them even live in the Netherlands. There is not really an issue here with racism like that.
In America there is a whole different history with black people, and I understand that people are more aware when something might cross the line. So really, don’t blame something like this on Nikki. Why in the world would she be a racist by uploading a video like that.
Nikki, ik begrijp je gedachte volkomen. Helaas is dit onderwerp in Amerika veel meer geladen dan hier in Nederland.
Hi Nikkie, let me start by saying I’m a HUGE fan, totally love your videos, you’re uber talented & funny as anything. I watched both yours & JF’s video and racism never entered my head, not once. I’m sorry to hear that you received such hatred, in my opinion you didn’t deserve it but I can tell that you’re a strong person & you’ll get past this. I look forward to watching many more of your videos. Chin up! Viv x
When I watched the video I never thought that it was done in malice but the first thing that popped into my head was umm do they realize that it’s black face? It’s kind of like ignorance is bliss. You had no idea that black face existed so you guys blissfully recreated the looks. But props for educating yourself.
I feel you taking down the video counteracts this apology. If it’s not what you intended then you should feel that strongly and left the video since you had no intention of “racism”.
I assume you’ve never been on the receiving end of one of these “you’re racist” hate campaigns? The sheer amount of abuse and pure hate you get is incredible, and for someone who is obviously not racist to have someone accuse you of such a NASY HORRIBLE things is unbelievably hurtful. You’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.
You either take the video down (in which case you get accused of being ashamed of it so “you must be a racist then!”) or you leave it up and get a continual stream of abuse.
The worst thing is that this kind of attitude from people pulling the “racist” card actually encourages rasism, and what ends up happening is a cultural segregation because people are too scared to explore and celebrate other cultures because they’re afraid of being called racist.
Now that she knows the video bothered some of her audience she probably took it down to prevent further offense. If she was racist she would leave it up and probably wouldn’t be so hurt at the backlash. I would also take it down if it was me…not trying to start a comment war, lol, just saying leaving it up might have caused more problems and hurt feelings.
And I’m sure it would have caused a bit more drama but if she felt that she wasn’t doing anything wrong then I don’t see why she should feel the need to take it down.
I think you’ve totally missed my point…she took it down because other people’s feelings mean more to her than all that work going down the drain. She took it down because even though her mistake was innocent, she realized she did make a mistake.
I don’t think it was a mistake at all, i probably would leave it up to and take the verbal abuse.. but i’m a real rebel ;p
Lol Daisy, you would have to be a real rebel to take all that internet abuse! I guess I can relate to Nikki because I am very sensitive and it would totally get to me…
Yeah that used to be me too.. but i got pushed around one too many times and made promises to myself that i try to keep, not allowing myself to be bullied is a big one :)
I got your point and like the person below says, she should have left it up since it was something that people obviously blew out of proportion.
I think her taking it down, she succumbed to everyone bullying her with harsh comments claiming racism when she should have stood up for the claim that she’s not and it’s art.
Vee, people would have kept making comments as long as the video was up. Maybe she does not have the want or desire to have to keep explaining herself or putting up with the bullying. I think if she had done it knowing there might have been a backlash, she would have been more prepared. But from what she said in the blog I get the picture she’s much happier doing less controversial stuff. I guess she made the choice she felt was right for her.
Hoi Nikkie,
Vaak krijg ik ook Commentaar dat ik soms te enthousiast op dingen kan reageren en daardoor soms niet altijd nadenk voor ik iets doe.
Maar dat is ie mij mij mAakt en ik vind dat juist leuk.
Impulsieve reacties zijn vaak wel de eerlijkste!!!
Ik hou van jou eerlijke filmpjes en jou heerlijke enthousiaste reacties op dingen/producten.
En ga daar please mee door! Want dat is wat jou jou maakt en dat moet je niet veranderen. Misschien speelt het inderdaad wel mee dat wij in Nederland ruimdenkender zijn dan vele anderen landen. Maar denk eraan dat de echte fans/supporters weten waar jij het over hebt en je snappen!
Maak je niet te druk meid, ik blijf je zowieso volgen!
Liefs,
Marieke
I’m so sorry you are going through this, and the fact is people make mistakes. I have always learned everything the hard way too. You will never let something like this happen to you again, I guarantee. I completely believe you didn’t know, but in this internet world it doesn’t always matter what our intentions are, people will take it how they will and they can comment whatever they want without having to confront the person face to face.
I know it takes a while to get over being hurt, but you will feel better eventually. I’m sending good thoughts your way, so just keep being creative and being you!!!
xoxo
First, you never should apologize for something you didn’t mean to do.
Second, people need to get they shit together and stopping victimizing everything and everyone. In any point of the video I saw JF or you disparaging anyone.
And Canada and Holland are on the list of most pacifist countries in the world.
So this accusation came from small minded people, who can’t look more than skin color and can’t think more than predefined situations. Don’t blame yourself for their lack of astuteness.
I didnt see anything racist about it, i think that to see it as anything but art with makeup I think that you have to be very narrow minded to see it as a racist act – you have never come across as the type of person who has isms or even flaunts them. It saddens me that black and white are seen as racist, i thought you both did an amazing job. Being politically correct is absolutely ridiculous these days, you are always going to upset somebody no matter what you do. To me you were a white porcelain doll as you had intended and you should not worry, the people who have taken offence or given up so quickly on you without hearing your side are not open minded people and their hatred to you is as bad as actually being racist, hate is hate. You are amazing and you inspire me, stay strong and keep being you, you are beautiful inside and out xx
It breaks my heart to hear that you have been through such an awful ordeal ! :( But I believe that people today are very quick to jump to conclusions these days, because it may seem easier than to actually talk the person about what happened which is completely wrong if you ask me ! Of course you are not a bad person, I have the utmost faith in you though we never met, but it seems very clear to me that you are in no way a racist :) It seems to me that if people are so quick to judge you as a racist, they are the ones who are narrow minded and petty ! All my love to you Nikkie, and BTW, I don’t know what blackface is either so maybe I’m just a fool too ;)
Baby that wasn’t your fault: racism shouldn’t even exist and people shouldn’t care, get angry or hurt by idiots. Plus, it’s just make up. And you did a great job as always. BY THE WAY I still remember the Fail NYX lipstick video, you were with a friend of yours, and she was a dark skinned beauty. So, people who really knows you and follows you SHOULD KNOW you’re not racist, but attacking someone is always easier than thinking. Every race should just get it, no one hates you people, you can come from Narnia, we still love and respect you.
Dat had ik er helemaal niet achter gezocht, want het ging gewoon puur om de art die jullie vertoonden! Daarom was het juist zo gaaf, ook om het hele proces te zien + het lieve berichtje op het einde. Ergens vind ik het ook wel een beetje teleurstellend dat mensen jou daar voor aan zien, omdat jij altijd zoveel liefde toont naar je volgers. Raar dat ze jou linken met datgene wat er aan de hand is. Geweldig dat je er over schrijft en je mening laat horen, aangezien het best ernstig is dat mensen zulke nare dingen tegen je zeggen. Want ladybuy, ya amazing girl. For sure. Je moet je niet laten neerhalen door zoiets, want dan zal er elke keer iets zijn. Je kan niet overal op de hoogte van iets zijn, maar wat je wel hebt gedaan is echt een mooie artistieke look afgeleverd. Keep your head up, want je bent enorm getalenteerd en ik zou het heel erg vinden als dit je schaadt in het maken van looks. Je bent uniek lady, je maakt geweldige creaties die gezien mogen worden!
I really liked the video that you and your friend did and I don’t understand that anyone can think of it like racism. I just watched it as an artistic way of expression (and very beautiful indeed). Moreover you have never talked or acted like a racist person, and I don’t see why it’s racist the black doll and it isn’t the white one since both of them represent an extrem stereotype. I admire you and your work and I love the way you are, so spontaneous and cheerful.
Thanks for sharing your talent and your joy!
Lots of kisses!
I don’t understand why always see the bad thing… I love the make up Nikkie, of course I know that you did as something artistic not to try to insult anybody… so don’t worry, most of the people get angry for everything, and I think is for he doesn’t accept who they are…
have a wonderfull new years eve. btw YOU ARE AN AMAZING PERSON AND MY FAVORITE MAKE UP ARTIST… I love you Nikkie.
Remember every day and every time always SMILE :)
Be blessed.
Oh man, you shouldn’t even think twice about that stuff. I watched the tutorial and I thought it was an awesome collab, and “blackface” NEVER even popped into my mind, not for a second. It’s the people who are obsessed with racial issues that are hating on you. I doubt that would ever even occur to someone who is comfortable with themselves and with all kinds of different people with different looks and skin-colors. If you have subbies that are like that, then I say to hell with them :P Your true ones are the ones that stand by you and appreciate what you do. See, this is exactly why I’m so reluctant to start posting videos on my channel… No matter WHAT you do, there’s always someone who is going to take it the wrong way, throw hate comments at you, etc. If someone says they lost respect for you just for that one video, then I think it’s more than fair for you to lose respect for them as subscribers. :) xoxo <3
Hello Nikki,
I am Avalon and also ‘letgobandit’ on youtube. You’ve probably never noticed my comments or anything but whatever; introduction complete. I love your videos because of you’re a prodigy and you have an awesome personality. Write a book. I’ll buy it.
I’m black and I’m sorry to hear that your holiday was ruined by this nonsense. Please don’t take it to heart and let it go immediately.
The fact that people still react to what they perceive as ‘black face’ like Pavlovian dogs doesn’t mean that they are right. When will ‘black face’ and ‘nigger’ lose their significance; 500 years from now? It’s just your typical garden variety victim dynamic and not something you should be getting upset about.
You know who you are and what you’re about and I’m mad that I didn’t get to see the cool video that I got in my email inbox. I really think you should have left it up and allowed ignorance to parse the people who really appreciate you out from the conformists and people who would keep you in the box that makes THEM feel comfortable.
Go ahead and be brilliant.
Hi Nikkie,
You have gotten a lot of support in these comments, but I’m interested in the ones who have more to say about it because they were offended, because those are the comments I’m interested in. I support what you did as well because a) it wasn’t your intention to harm, insult, or offend anyone, and b) It was not meant in the same way that Blackface is. I did some very brief research on it and it appears that it was used satirically or more in a mocking sort of way. Women used to never be allowed to act in theatre in Europe and men always dressed up as women, but no one complains about drag queens as offensive to women now, do they? (Do they?) Plus I’m pretty sure Tyra Banks had a photo shoot similar to this idea on one season of America’s Next Top Model, but I don’t remember if she caught flack for it. Also as someone who was born and raised in the United States, I also didn’t ever think of racism or anything like that, nor had I heard of Blackface. Maybe it’s because I live in a predominantly Caucasian area of the US, but I also went to a really liberally and ethnically diversified university, so I think my exposure to other nationalities and ethnic sensitivities is pretty good? I’d also like to point out that Europe does have its own sort of racism, for those who cited the lack of it. I’ve seen first hand the prejudice against Maghrebins (North Africans, e.g. Moroccans & Algerians, etc.) in France as well as against Turkish people in the Netherlands, it just may be on a smaller scale because of smaller countries (compared to the US). But then again, I’ve spent only a very short period of my life in Europe. But in any case, I appreciate your explanation Nikkie and I think it will mean a lot to people. Ignorance is bliss and people have to remember that other people do not always have the worst of intentions. Your collab was for EMBRACING the beauty of dark skin, not to mock it.
I really love that point you have about drag queens. I’m a women and they don’t offend me! It seems like whenever someone else tries to represent or embrace another culture or anything it’s “racist”. I don’t understand it. If it’s not done in hate, it’s not racist IMHO.
Dear Nikki,
I don’t think you’ll read this, but I wish you would.
I’m not usually comfortable saying stuff like this, but this time I really have to: I love you.
You’re so sweet and kind and funny, and I really started to love doing makeup even more than before and I’m actually really good at it now and it’s all because of YOU and your amazing tutorials. I’ve been following you for a while now, and I just don’t understand how could people EVER think of you as a racist. I’m so sorry that YOU have to apologize instead of those people who were so arrogant and ignorant to say stuff like that to you and about you. No, I do not want to offend them or anything like that, but if they were subscribers who actually paid attention to what you speak and do every day and what you strive for, they would NEVER EVER think your video had intention of promoting racism or other horrible things like that.
If I could, I’d hug you and say that all those people should be apologizing to you, because YOU are the one who’s heartbroken now, not them, and your creation had to be put down. They are so quick to judge, they don’t even pay attention to the actual meaning of things.
Lots of love,
Anya.
I saw the video and I just saw it as art, racism never occurred to me either and I don’t see how people could think that of such a nice person as you are!
Some people are too sensitive about these topics but the video and the campaign as no racist connotation as far as I’m concerned… I hope this doesn’t stop you from doing the amazing work that has been “wowing” us for so long!
You’re a beautiful person and you can’t let those comments and misinterpretations get to you…
Love you!!
Liefje toch!
And to all the haters, this:
So basically you can paint your face any color but black, because in the past some pleople did it to insult black people? Jeez. As if they have the color patented. I think seeing something racist in that video is more racist than the whole video. “OMG he is painting himself black! Must be to imitate a black person!” Ridiculous. Exit Magazine just published an editorial in which they painted Patricia van der Vliet pink, gold and army. It’s fashion. You don’t own the color black, crybabies!
People are just too easily offended. The collab was amazing and you are super talented! Anyone who TRULY knows you and your work KNOWS that you are not racist at all. You are an amazing person and always just as fun to watch because you have FUN with makeup.
To all of you who thinks she’s a racist. Go back and live under that rock of yours, it’s your loss. Nikkie is a true artist and if you can’t see that well then you must be blind to beauty.
Nikkie <3
I first watched the video on JF channel and for me it wasn’t racism AT ALL!
for me was one of the coolest collaborations i’ve ever seen. People is really mean and those who say you are racist are the ones who lives with racism in their lifes, as i said when i first watched it racism was never in my mind!
i will always support you nikkie!
I am mindfucked. Zo sneu dat je hier je geweldige video er voor moet afhalen. Alsofjij überhaupt éen ‘soort’ kunt haten, jij bent Nikkie and Nikke loves everything. Allemaal overdreven haat gedoe. Laat ze maar eens sinterklaas vieren.
People need to chill out. So stupid that the majority of the haters assume that you know what Blackface is and that you’re trying to make some sort of statement. Thank God that you’ve never done a “Zwarte Piet” tutorial, they would have gone all berserk on you.
Just hope you realise that you are not to blame for all those narrow minded people who want to keep racism going.
Hi Nikkie,
First, I admire you so much for apologizing to HATERS. It shows what a great person you are.
But I find it sad that you did get the hate. The first thing I thought when I saw that video was “this is art.” I loved the collab between you and JF and I thought it was done SO WELL. It saddens me that both this and Alex Box were getting such hate from something so beautiful.
I’m also reminded of Dustin Hunter’s witch video. I was stunned when he reposted it with the disclaimer about blackface; I just couldn’t see it. I just saw a man using makeup to transform himself. I feel that people are just decided to take any tiny little detail that could possible mean ANYTHING at all and using that tiny little detail to bring someone down.
Nikkie, you are a beautiful, thoughtful young woman and I can tell how driven you are. Don’t let this bother you. <3
That video is pure art and I don’t think you should take it down based on people viewing it as being racist. The intentions were not racial at all and I think you need to stand up for yourself!!!! Amazing video all around on both yours and JFs part :) well done!!!!
Nikki.
I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I think that there is still people that do tend to generalize ideas (mostly artistic) and think the worst things. You as a public figure, they think you do things just to catch attention but it’s just lack of understanding and education. There will be always people that will try to bring your spirit down, always, I know you have to deal it on your daily basis because there are just too much haters and people who prefer to see the negative things before the good things, my only advise to you is not to stop. Never let them bring you down, continue your dream, continue pursuing what you are doing and just ignore the bad comments, leave it behind, I personaly know how that feels, to have the need to explain your artistic inspirations as a painter i am always under criticism too, but I do believe what you are saying and I have seen things a million times worse that this ad that has nothing to do with racism, it’s just a game of contrast, that’s all…I really hope you are feeling better now, and i wish to keep seeing your bubbly personality again on another tutorial very soon. Cheer up! you still have a lot of talent to show to the world :)
Sweetheart don’t let the ignorance get to you. People like to victimize themselves at every chance they get. I am black and i see nothing wrong with the talent the you and J presented. It would be different if it was presented with the intent of malice or if we were living in the twenties, but we are not. You better continue to display your craft because your true fans are waiting. Don’t be sad….
Oh honey, don’t beat yourself up, you are brilliant and you did what you did with good intentions and all those stupid haters can go to hell..
We all love you and we would never lose respect for you..
It never occurred to me as racist, I thought it was an amazing look and was so cool to watch both of you create this look! I didn’t even think about it until I read the top comment. You shouldn’t blame this on yourself and don’t take this to hard. You are an amazing person that inspires me and amuses me whenever I watch your videos. Stay strong!
Hi Nikkie,
I haven’t seen your video so I don’t know what was in it but I am glad that you have taken it down if it had to do with Illamasqua’s ad–which is very much racist. I would like to have seen you acknowledge that you understand why it was racist but I think it’s great that you responded the way you did and it’s a much more mature response than some others I have read. I lost respect for Illamasqua because they not only put out the ad, but then responded to the backlash inappropriately. I still respect you because you didn’t blow it off. So thanks for doing that. Artists still have to keep in mind that our every action has meaning, whether we recognize it or not. Intent doesn’t matter. We can’t ignore the implication or historical antecendents of certain imagery.
Hey, I’m not saying it’s not (I haven’t even seen it) but how is it racist exactly?
I’ve read through many comments on Illamasqua’s FB pages (both the main page and the Australian one, I’m Australian) and I’ve seen women of colour express support for the campaign but also many others who were offended. Something that many noted was that it’s not just the black makeup that was offensive, but the clothing and styling of the model as well. If you Google “minstrel” and “blackface” the resemblance is unfortunately uncanny; they’re wearing tuxedos, top hats, and have bright pink lips.
For something to be racist, there has to be a (pre)judgement, right? Please point out to me where there’s a judgement here. It doesn’t say anything about black skinned people being stupid, ugly, to be laughed at, anything! It’s just black make-up. In contrast with white make-up. It has nothing to do with black people.
(And you know what’s double standard? We can laugh our asses of at movies like “White Chicks”. Totally acceptable. Weird, huh?)
Very true Toeps!!
I just wanted to say that I think you’re an incredibly sweet and talented girl, and the fact you stepped up and apologized when really, you hadn’t done anything with intent to harm, says a lot. While I don’t think the Illamasqua campaign was done in good taste, I don’t feel you had any negative intentions in trying to recreate a look, and the fact you took steps to rectify any hurt feelings seems to show you really do care about the feelings of your viewers and fans, and don’t want anyone to feel hurt or offended by what you do.
Don’t let this get you down. Keep being amazing and talented, it is appreciated so much, and keep your head up <3
Oh Nikkie! I think the people really need to calm down, I’m pretty sur that you never want to hurt someone, before of this I really never was listening about “blackface”.
I’m from Mexico and I know how terrible could be the racism when someone do to you, many many people thinks that the Mexican people are dumbs with sombreros or something like that, but we aren’t like that, so I just think everybody can think whatever and I don’t care, so I think everybody needs to believe that they are beautiful and stop listening about what others says.
I saw your videos for years and I (don’t think) know that you are a BEAUTIFUL woman who never want to hurt anyone, thank you for sharing your feelings with the people that appreciate your work and see all that you do like ART.
Sorry for being a little stupid with english(lol), I understand everything but in so grew king bad writing in English.
I love love love your videos, please keep working hard as you always do, love from Mexico
(:
I’m (not even) sorry but does this mean you can never paint someone white or black because it might offend some idiot who thinks it’s about race?? What about body painting, is that wrong too?? You should NOT feel bad about this you and Alex did nothing wrong imo!
To me it’s art, and i think if you can’t paint a person black or white then why stop there, if a drag queen does her make up should every woman be offended cause it’s an exaggeration of a woman’s make up? I’m sorry but if i see that white doll make up i do not think she’s racist towards white people, why should it be racist for black people?? It’s just looking for things that aren’t there and frankly i find it pathetic.
F* that girl, if i was a beauty guru on youtube i’d be posting a video like that on purpose to support you and Alex.. i’d even have a black friend paint herself white and paint myself black to push it further and show how rediculous it all is! It’s freakin fantasy make up people!!
Nikkie we love you, nooit stoppen met jezelf te zijn asjeblieft ;)
I had NO IDEA what blackface was either… and I’m Canadian, I did not think of racism at all when watching the video! I just thought it was very artistic and I loved it… Then I saw the comments and thought people were being wayy too dramatic as I knew your intentions were not mean at all! I get it now why people got offended but you shouldn’t be ashamed… you didn’t know, you didn’t know! What can you do about it! Definitely not your fault! Love you <3
The Illamasqua Campaign and your rendition were both beautiful works of art. As an empath, I understand what it’s like to always be ruled by your feelings. I know that you can’t help it, and that you will need time to heal, but just remember that you are such an inspiration to SO many people, and that aside from your raw talent, we love you for your magnetic and genuine personality. I know that your intentions were good, and I still believe in you. You can’t control who likes you, or who’s on your side. And some people will never understand you, or what you do. But know that you are wonderful, and that your heart is in the right place, and you will continue to soar above all negativity.
xoxoxo,
Dayna Marie
Dear Nikkie,
I respect you. I dont see how you’ve made any mistakes here. Art is art, it shouldn’t have rules. there are some that dont understand it, but it doesn’t stop being art because of that. I hope you can forgive them for hurting your feelings like that. There is no malice in what you did. Just know that. <3
aww im so sorry you had to deal with this! that would have never crossed my mind! and im sorry i missed the video because it sounds fab and its a shame you had to take it down because it sounds amazing and i would have loved to see it
chin up nikki let the haters hate you know in your heart you did it for the right reasons
stephanieslook.blogspot.com
Nikkie, coming from the south in the USA, I know a thing or two about racism and its implications. Rest assured I still adore you and I know your intent was not malicious. Don’t let it get you down, love.
I completely agree.
What kind of half-ass apology is that to the Black community? OK, so you were not “aware” of how absolutely offensive Blackface was? It is not only towards Americans, so everyone in here needs to drop the bull that only “Black” Americans feel insulted by such a vile depiction of “art”. If I remember correctly, the Dutch, which is what you ARE were heavily involved in the slave trade. So do not even try to play stupid. And that was the most terrible apology I’ve ever heard.
“I’m sorry I offended you.”
NO. You need to apologize for actively engaging in one of the most offensive and disrespectful things that has ever existed in the entertainment business. A simple Google search could have told you the backlash Illamasqua received over that racist ad. All because you cannot relate to the pain and suffering that my people went through (and still currently go through) does not excuse you for pushing this under a rug.
Work on not being an ignorant prick and release an apology for that racist video.
Girl please “If I remember correctly, the Dutch, which is what you ARE were heavily involved in the slave trade” What the hell does Nikkie have to do with slavery that happened centuries ago?? Are you saying no artist can ever paint someone black cause there used to be people that mocked and abused black people? That’s insane! The make up was gorgeous, both of em actually! Should i be offended by the pasty white make-up cause other races make fun of white people? Hell no. Should i resent everyone who makes a nazi joke cause my grandfathers were in the resistance.. and that was pretty recent in our history wasn’t it.
Don’t go accusing people of rasism it’s as horrible as being a rasist yourself. Nikkie’s art has nothing to do with her not relating to your people’s pain and suffering.. and your people are not the only ones suffering please don’t act like a victim.. i don’t.
Oh and tell me, why would she do a google search on the backlash if she didn’t know there was any?! You’re not making any sense!! Calling a non-racist a racist is pretty offensive to me and other non-racists.. now you need to apologize
I want an apology for the movie “White Chicks”. As a white chick, I feel offended. Wait, the whole white female community is offended. I want you to do a proper apology right now. Since you’re the “black community”. And don’t be crying how that’s different. Saying that’s different is actually more racist then any Illamasqua-ad. Think about it.
its people like you that hold the world back from moving on. you should be ashamed of yourself for bullying nikkie the way you have!
” If I remember correctly, the Dutch, which is what you ARE were heavily involved in the slave trade.”
Thinking like this is exactly the reason why the pain will never go away. People have made atonement for CENTURIES now. YES it’s terrible what ‘your people’ had to go through. But remember that was centuries ago. People now are very different from people back then. And on your point that your people are still going through racism, that is unfortunately something that’ll never completely go away. Don’t forget that so many people these days are trying to set straight what people back then did wrong. Nikkie is sincerely apologizing, why pull her down even more?
Also, you cannot relate to the pain and suffering your people went through CENTURIES ago. Times have changed. Racism still exists but in a very different form. Get off your high horse.
Your comment is bad and you should feel bad! Racism is inside a person. If you feel offended by a makeup look, than this is the racism inside you speaking, not that of the artist. And come on! Involving slavery into this? You are making yourself into the victim here, nobody else is.
It actually is very easy to write such a comment behind your save laptop/computer. I don’t think you could call Nikki on to this on the street straight to her face. This just makes you look sad.
And Nikki does not OW an apology to the black community, because she herself did not have racist thoughts. If it is someone who should apologize it should be you. Nobody is responsible for no-ones community. You portray yourself as you think of yourself. And that is a racist person who can’t see the fun or beauty in anything without reflecting it on racism.
And saying that, I would like to add. I AM the kind of person who would respond with this exact comment if I heard you saying it in real life. Because I think I am not alone when I say I don’t allow bullshittery, and bullying around me.
Honey, please. The black community hasn’t been the only community that suffered. What about the Native Americans? Hmm, do I get pissed off everytime there is a Pocahontas tutorial? Nope. Sure, the Dutch were involved in the slave trade, but so were Americans from the south and I didn’t know about “blackface”. Sure it’s offensive, sure it’s terrible but it was in the past. Nikkie didn’t look at it and say “hey, lets make fun of an ethnicity and totally piss off everyone!”. She didn’t look at it as a depiction of race, but as art. Simple as that. And honestly you weren’t in the slave trade, so why should I apolygize? I wasn’t involved and neither were you. It’s time we let it go. Not as black people, white people, asian people, native american people, not as hispanic people but just as people. You go around acting like a victim concerning something that your great-grandparents didn’t even experience. You are only a victim if you let yourself be. Sure you can argue that your race was set back and tormented and humiliated but weren’t women put through the same damn things too? And as women(you and I) shouldn’t we stand together, despite the color of our skin? It’s funny that no white girl is pissed off because someone painted their skin white. I’m not trying to put you down, honey but it’s time for a change.
I’m so glad i’m not the only one who gave that (probably a) girl my two cents!! It is weird how it’s racist for black people and the white make up isn’t concidered racist even though it would be the same stereotypical point of view.. Can’t get over racism if you keep bringing it up now can we.
Nikkie i hope you’re reading all of this :) ♥
Racism exists because of you, you want to see it like that.
Hello Nikkie,
I’m so sorry you had to experience that kind of hate,
I never thought that watching the video, all i saw was art
And beauty in both ends, not racism, your an amazing
Artist and really inspirational, ive not lost one ounce of respect
for you, because of you I’m now
following My dreams
Love you Nikkie!!!
Hi Nikkie… I am so sorry to hear what kind of feedback you and the campaign got criticized… I liked the photos by Illamasqua, too and haven’t thought about a political meaning. Sometimes the work with contrasts is just creative, interesting and even rises above questions of colour… I am a bit…. surprised. A can however see how some might react if their own history is more connecting to racism. You have different associations, you are differently primed. – Since the issue has never been important to you or me – we both look at it as a great play of contrasts. –
I think what is most important in a case where no one meant harm: you can’t decide how might react how if you have totally different cognitive and emotional associations. What something means is not only decided by the speaker – but also by the listener/beholder. You can mean so well – and on the other side someone has heard the message differently (just think on couples or talks with parents). Both parts have to see there is no truth – Everyone sees and hears differently – communications helps to be in the overlap together and getting an idea what both parties are talking about. What is important is to meet in the middle – not at first thinking someone MEANT beeing racist or violating. And the other part not thinking the hurt beholder is overreacting. Both don’t mean harm in this case – it helps to keep the eye not only on the impact but also ask the intentions and calm oneself.
You’e done nothing wrong. I’d have been just as innocent with this issue… and if you ask me: that is a good sign. That happens when you live somewhere where these things aren’t violating people every day.
Als mensen deze video racistisch vinden, dan zegt dat meer over hen dan over jou Nikkie.
Hoi nikki,
I thought the video was great. I really only thought of you two being dolls. Never thought of racism.. And i am a coloured girl. Surely the wise subscribers know that your intentions are ok! It’s all because in america they have are a bit over consius About race. Here on europe we don’t even mention the word Black or white. We say oo she is asian or african or dutch, or.. Etc… There are so Many ethnicities here we would offend people by calling them Black or white.. As if it was that simple! So as we say.. Kop op nikki! They have a lot of groing up to do, and i wish you lots of succes on your next video. I’ll be waiting!
Greetings from a coulored asian girl haha!
I typed with my iPhone and that autocorrect just killed my english, sorry for that but you know what i mean!
Nikkie, I saw the video for what it was and that was appreciating Alex Box talent and create style, which you and Jean recreated and did fab job, and I say 99% of your viewers will agree the context in which it was created. So no need to apologie and keep the videos coming, we love you in OZ.
Wat een trieste bedoeling weer. Altijd mensen die gaan vingertjes wijzen zonder nadenken. Ik vond ‘t een geweldig mooie look en dat mensen denken dat je racist bent oooooh myyyy god. Nee echt, wat de neuq? Het zijn gewoon een paar van die keyboard warriors die je proberen neer te halen. En daar moet je echto proberen niks mee te doen (ik weet het dat is moeilijk)! Anyways, komt wel goed schatje.
Xx
Nikkie. I say you re-post the video with a link to this “apology” (which in my opinion you didn’t have to make) and disable comments. I love you and Jean-Francois. You’re talent should not be squelched by trolls.
Oops! *Your* talent.
Jeetje zeg dat is heel vervelend! Toen ik het persbericht kreeg van Alex dacht ik ook niets dan positieve dingen. Tot ze later nog een berichtje stuurde dat het verkeerd opgevangen werd… zo jammer! Sterkte ermee, jij hebt jouw deel gedaan. Als mensen gelijk met termen als racisme gaan gooien, terwijl jij dat overduidelijk niet bent, is het misschien geen minpunt dat je deze niet meer als volger hebt!?
Ik blijf je volgen hoor :)
Nikkie, it never popped up in my mind that it would be racist! I love you and you’re work, doll! ♥♥♥♥
Hey Nikkie,
ik schrok best wel toen ik dit las. Ik heb de video gezien en net zoals bij jou, is bij mij de term racisme nooit opgekomen. Om eerlijk te zijn vond ik het júist gaaf dat het een donker getint model was en had ik het idee dat juist vertegenwoordigen van een donkere huid ‘anti-racisme’ was. Ook het heb ik nog nooit van ‘blackface’ gehoord, neither van alle ophef over de campagne. Ik kan me bijna niet voorstellen hoe onredelijk alle reacties voor je voelde, omdat dit alles nooit je intentie is geweest en mensen die jou kennen juist van jou zouden moeten weten dat jij van álle kleuren houdt! Sommigen hierboven noemen het een leerpunt voor jezelf, ik zou het eerder een kennismaking met de nare en haatdragende kan van de industrie/publiek. Ik ben het respect niet voor je verloren (in fact, gained some by reading this ;) ) ik weet zeker dat al je trouwe lezers/kijkers hun respect niet voor je zijn verloren en ik uit heel mijn hart dat je nóóit zal twijfelen aan het respect voor jezelf. We all love you!
Lieve Nikkie.
Ik vind het ontzettend erg om te horen dat mensen zulke dingen over je filmpje zeiden.
Je bent een ontzettend getalenteerd en lief meisje.
Laat mensen je nooit neerhalen vanwege je creativiteit.
We steunen je allemaal!
Liefs
Oh Nikkie!! i love you so much you are the most inspiring person to me. when i saw the video i loved it so much, and i did not think anything bad about it, you are truly to most inspiring person i know, and i would do anything if i could be as successful as you!
i love that you are working as hard as you do, i’m trying to do my best to work hard but it does not seem to pay of for me, people simply don’t watch my videos or my blog, but when you put up a video, it all becomes better, and i keep doing what i’m doing. I just hope you never stop you because of some hateful people just know that there are so many people that love you!
He nikkie,
Ik vind dat je het goed heb opgelost zo…
Maar 1 ding zit me wel dwars… Waarom ga je zweren op je moeder?
Gaat te ver …
Ik weet zeker dat Nikkie dat niet met opzet doet. Het is een Engelse uitdrukking die ze hier gebruikt. Snap dat het moeilijk is maar trek dat je niet persoonlijk aan
Ik vind je nog steeds hartstikke tof en gedurfd wijf! Blijf alsjeblieft doorgaan met je werk, want ik vind het super!
X
Wat vervelend! Maar je hebt het niet met opzet gedaan en je wist het niet! Je kon er niets aan doen, en het was absoluut niet racistisch bedoeld. Dit had iedereen kunnen overkomen, en je leert er vast veel van. En ik weet zeker dat de mensen die gezegd hebben dat ze alle respect voor je kwijt zijn, dat niet menen. Daar zijn al je video’s toch veel te mooi voor?! Het komt echt goed, en ik weet zeker dat mensen je begrijpen! Liefs! :)
HO NIKKIE ! I had absolutely no idea about this story ! You have to know that when I saw this video I was like : “fuckin hell it’s art and an amazing idea” you know, you’re an amazing person and so sensitive and fun. I know it hard for you. But sorry for them if then absolutely can not recognize art to racism. Sorry but its really not fair for you, all the pictures of your models on Instagram we can see that you’re everything than racist ! This is bull shit ! Sorry I’m pissed beacause you’re sad ! You’re judged by your art and this was the point of the tutorial. Anyway, Nikkie I really love you ! You’re the best makeup artist I ever seen. You’re amazing ! And go on with you’re amazing ideas ! Lots of love ! Be strong !!!!
It really pisses me off that people can’t do anything expressive/artistic without someone shouting out how racist they are. I really wish you’d put the video back up because I didn’t see a single ill-willed thing about it. If someone wants to call you a racist when you obviously aren’t then it just goes to show how narrow minded and ignorant they are. You’re a doll and I love all of your work<3 Cheer up darling.
Hey Doll.
I saw your facebook link to this post and after reading it i had to comment!
My Name is Karine and i’m a makeup artist living and working in Tel-Aviv, Israel. Iv’e been following you for a long long time, and i LOVE every video. you are so talented, so sweet, so young and promising – i always feel like i’m your older sister, telling my husband “look at Nikkie! that girl is going to be a star!” :)
As a Jewish woman living in Israel, i’m sorry to say i don’t share your innocence regarding race & racism. Sadly, i encounter racism every single day. However, as a fellow makeup artist, i was also in awe when i saw the work of Alex Box (as i always am) and i was SO HAPPY to see you video. Even for a person that is super sensitive to racism, it had NEVER OCCURRED TO ME that this makeup look might stir up a racial storm. Further more, anyone who follows you on YouTube must be F***** blind and deaf to think that you would take part in a racist theme.
Only you know what feels right to you, so i cant tell you if taking the video down was a good or bad idea. I do believe every word you say when you describe your mood in the past few days, you love and appreciation for your viewers comes across IN EVERY MOMENT IN YOUR VIDEOS. I guess All i have to say is – we LOVE you back! so much! please let the storm go away and go back to doing what you do in such a unique, amazing way!
XOXOXOXOXOX
Krine :)
ik vond de video heel origineel, en mooi gemaakt.
ik geloof ook dat je er geen kwaad mee bedoelde, ik had nooit gedacht dat mensen dat filmpje racistisch zouden vinden
sterkte xxx
Hee lieve Nikki,
Ik snap niet dat mensen hun respect voor jou verloren hebben, want dat is nergens voor nodig. Ik zag niks racistisch in je video, en zoals je ziet aan de reacties hierboven heb je nog heel veel mensen over die achter je staan en je niks kwalijk nemen. Ik hoor ook bij die mensen, en ik denk dat je je niet teveel op je kop moet laten zitten door alle negatieve reacties. Je bent een geweldige make-up artist! Dit gaat allemaal goedkomen, geloof me:)
Xxxx Lisa
creating art is never wrong nikkie, remember that!
I feel for you and understand you. Makeup is ART – that’s all!
You can change yourself into whatever you want, it’s just makeup.
People are strong behind a screen…..
LOVE your work – don’t EVER stop!!!!!
Greetings from Norway :-)
Nikki – NEVER. EVER. apologise for your art. EVER!
if people are going to make ill judgement on you, then they dont know you at all.
keep smiling sugar cup. x
Oh, ik zag dr alleen zwarte piet in hoor! Don’t be sad, we’ve got your back <3
Zwarte piet is op zich wel heel racistisch hoor :p Ik zag contrast en creativiteit zoals het bedoeld was :)
Nikkie!! Lieve schat.. Bekijk de video eens goed en objectief.. heeft niets, maar dan ook niets met racisme te maken!! Vind het goed dat je je punt duidelijk hebt gemaakt, al hoef je mij niet te overtuigen!! Maar aan de andere kant ook wel jammer dat je die video van je blog hebt verwijderd!! Je hebt altijd mensen die alleen maar problemen willen maken, maar dit stukje ligt bij deze personen zelf. Je mag je daar niet door laten beinvloeden hoor meissie!! Je hoeft je zelfs niet te verdedigen! Beetje sterker in je schoenen gaan staan mag wel;) Beloof me dat je daaraan gaat werken?! Xx
Like :)
Toen ik het filmpje voor de eerste keer zag, dacht ik niet aan racisme. Ik denk dat mensen gelijk aan het ergste denken en wij zijn het wel gewend, verschillende etniciteiten enzovoorts. Dus ik denk dat je er niet zoveel zorgen om moet maken Nikkie, jij weet wat je ermee bedoelde!
Lieve Nikkie,
Die video heeft echt niets met racisme te maken! De mensen die dat soort haat-reacties achterlaten zijn waarschijnlijk zelf racistisch of ze kunnen er niet tegen dat jij zulke mooie creaties maakt en dan zoeken ze maar een stomme en belachelijke reden om jou te benadelen. Laat je alstublief niet doen door dit soort mensen! Blijf gewoon doorgaan met het geen waar je mee bezig bent, kunst maken!
Dat soort reacties zegt meer over de mensen die ze achterlaten dan over jou, geloof me.
XX
Hey Nikkie! I’m really sorry that you’re getting all that unreasonable hate! I remember how I watched your video, thinking: “Wow, they are so good at their job, and how to they cover their skin so well with that paint? And how do they…? ” etc. Those were all my thoughts. And when the video finished, I scrolled down to leave a comment to tell you how much I like the video, and suddenly I was faced with all those comments which are SO ridiculous! Please don’t let that get you down. People will eventually forget about it and no one will talk about it next year. You will grow from this, I’m sure. Keep on with your good work!
Hi Nikkie , my name is Catalina and I’m 15 years old . I’m from Romania , a country where you can easily find racist people . Sometimes they try to take you down especially if you’re kind and nice to anyone.It’s just their way to express themselves , by doing anything to ruin your hard work. I’m really sorry for what happened ! I’m a huge fan , and I will always be . I haven’t seen the video and I can’t say my opinion about it ,but I’m sure that you didn’t mean anything bad , you were just really happy for this collaboration . That’s what happens in life , when you are trying really hard to achieve something ,people are mean .I’m sure that a lot of the people that commented bad things about you are not even real subscribers , just haters. Think positive ! There are tons of people who will always appreciate you for your talent , creativity , personality , kindness,dedication and last but not least your passion for make-up , for transforming yourself ! You work so hard for your videos , because you want them to be perfect , and funny in the same way ! That’s something for which I will always appreciate you! I’m really glad that I could write this message to you , and I hope it will bring a smile on your face ! Take care and I will always watch your videos no matter what !
One of your subscribers ,
Catalina
First of all Nikki it never occured to me that you are a racist i have black skinned cousin i never in a milion years say anything bad about him or other ppl that are not from holland.
People dont live in the modern day of life anymore be open and respect anyone .Even as a kid i got from my mom a black skinned doll so i would never be a rascist.I love all kinds of people like Nikki you should have never judged her and cut her off.Just look at yourself before you judge this wonderfull amazing person.It show how weak , low and how insecure you are.Nikki you better than that!!Rise above it , chin up and keep on going .I know its hard but when you are feeling down think of the people who respect you and love you .We will always stand beside you no matter what that;s what friends”subribers”are for .And for the ones who said all the comments you ignorend fools with no creative mind what so ever .It just shows what kind of person u are.and how you were brought up.Love you Nikkie wees sterk als je me nodig hebt ik ben er voor je!! Dikke knuffel xox Lynn
Hoi Nikkie,
Wat erg meis dat mensen meteen zo over je denken.
Want ik vind er ook niks racistisch aan, blijf in jezelf geloven!
Je merkt aan alle reacties dat mensen jou blijven steunen en besef het ook. Je kan niet iedereen naar het zin maken.
Nikkie, ik vind je top en blijf doorgaan maar neem wel je rust als het nodig is.
xxx
Ok first off, yes i agree that it is just art and things. Nothing wrong with what you did and it just is an great way to show how you feel and see things. Problem is, you posted it onto the internet, now we all know some people on the internet are not that nice and will not see things how most of us do. So yes you should of expected this to happen from people on the web as they DO not think and just like to troll about and make you feel bad for doing something you love. The internet is a great place to abuse people with out anyone knowing who they are in real life. So yes you should of known this will happen and it should not of bothered you at all, because anyone who ends up trying to make you feel down are not worth your time and you should not feel effected by this. Look at how many are supporting you as well as standing with you on this. Simply put, you are bigger then the trolls on the web, you stand for something but you gave the trolls something to work with and this happens. Just don’t let this effect you, carry on with what you love and most of us will always stand by you. for god sake my other half looks at your Videos on youtube but i dont (now and then i do because some of your make up is just mind blowingly good :D ) so this is coming from someone who does not always look at your vids but still supports you in what you are aiming for. You Reach more and more people every day and it is only going to get bigger, more and more people will fall in love with your art and you will have your own little army. Keep up the great work and keep your chin up high.
Na mijn engelse reply op iemand wil ik toch even iets naar jou toe sturen Nikki.
Laat je niet gek maken. Jij bent een kunstenaar en in je hele leven zal je maar een kleine groep mensen hebben die je werk echt waarderen. Ook al schreeuwt de rest om je heen dat het prachtig is. Ikzelf heb nu ook een filmproject lopen waarbij ik mijn actrice zwart heb geverft, puur omdat dit er erg mooi uitziet. het is artistiek het is kunst. racisme komt er niet eens bij kijken. En ik kan me in de afgelopen 5 maanden niet herinneren dat er ook maar 1 persoon op mijn opleiding, leraren of studenten een opmerking hebben gemaakt over racisme in mijn project.
Mensen zien wat ze willen zien, zien ze racisme als jij een look maakt met zwarte verf.
So be it!
Het gaat erom wat jij weet en met welke intentie jij je creatie heb gemaakt.
Laat je niet gek maken meid, mensen zullen altijd proberen je leven zuur te maken.
Och jeetje Nik:-( wat vervelend voor je en het komt voor mij ook echt uit het niks. Ik zou ook nooit aan racisme gedacht hebben, geen seconde! Ik vind het goed dat je je verhaal doet! Het is nooit leuk om misunderstood te zijn en ik vond het goed dat je het probeert recht te zetten. Mijn respect heb je nog voor de volle 100%, al dan niet meer na dit verhaal. Ik hoop dat je het snel kunt vergeten en sterkte meis!
Er zijn altijd haters en misunderstandings.
Let’s move on now.
You rock Nikkie.
Dear Nikkie,
Some people have a tendency to see racism in everything. Do you know those creams that have a black, chocolate part and the white one, made of hazelnuts? Well, I am quite sure some people who have nothing better to do would see racism in that!!!! I know that the worst feeling is to be accused of something you didn’t do/ think, but you know there are haters everywhere!!! There’s a proverb in my language, Serbian, to encourage you. I cannot find a good proverb to describe the same in English, so I’ll translate it literally:”When a good horse runs, it raises dust!”. As long as you’re EXCELLENT at anything you do, there’ll be little, miserable people who’ll criticize and be jealous of your work. You’re an amazing person and I, and thousands of people, LOVE YOU!!!!
Head up and keep going!!!:) <3 <3 <3
What a bunch of BS, people need to grow up and stop labeling everything as ‘racism’. I hope you know that you didn’t do anything wrong Nikkie, the thing with the internet is, is that it’s so easy to leave anonymous comments and say things that you wouldn’t normally say in real life. You have a big audience/target group and unfortunately a certain amount of that group is always going to be negative and will try to always find flaws etc. to comment on. Please know that you’re so incredibly talented and that in no way this video was offensive or had anything to do with racism.
You are an artist and you can´t please everybody. Look Lady Gaga, she is amazing and she is called every name that you can think of. People is sad and bored at home and need to pick on people to feel better about themshelves. You are awesome!! dont ever change!!
LOVE Sofia from Spain (big fan!)
P.D: I did your joker’s girlfriend look on halloween and I rocked the party!!!
Nikkie, I just wanted to say I’m sorry this was so hurtful for you. I think you’ve made it pretty obvious that you aren’t racist in any way. I’m American and when I was in college I spent a fall/winter semester studying at a university in Utrecht. When Christmas time rolled around I was totally blown away at the Zwarte Piet stuff, for what I think are obvious reasons. However, this did not really affect my opinion of the Dutch people I met and became great friends with. I don’t know if that has been brought up already but I wonder if that’s what it reminded some people of. Please know that you are an inspiration for tons of people, as is evidenced here, and that some people are going to be hateful just because. It’s not worth focusing your mind on it any further. Love you!
Ik hou van jou en je video’s:)
Hi, Nikki!
Those videos were amazing! do not anyone, ANYONE with a hateful comment let you down.
And please don’t get discouraged either because since I found you on Youtube I have been pretty much addicted to your videos and you are a insanely huge inspiration to me.
Those saying disrespectful and hurting things to you don’t realise how great and amazing of a person you are. They just want something to complain about.
It’s them who makes it a problem. Not you. Not JF. No one is. But them.
I love you and as far as I can tell, those who got disappointed at you, they don’t understand how great you are. How hard you work. How much you love US, your followers and supporters.
Really hope you cheer up soon.
Love from Sweden!
:* :*
Gewoon aanstelleritus, mensen die zich zo snel aangesproken en beledigd voelen vinden zichzelf wel ERG belangrijk…..
Ja indd!
Nikki,
I love you and JF. I was very sad to see the remake of Alex Box’s makeup because I didn’t even like it when she did it. I’m from the US, I understand the racism behind blackface and how it was used. I also understand other nationalities might not have the same issues within their culture, and the same deeply rooted racial issues that still exist. That being said, thank you for apologizing!!! When people are offend by something, you apologize, like you have. I’m fairly disappointed to see comments on here saying, “People are just too sensitive these days/get over it/stop overreacting.” That’s not how a decent human being deals with being told they have done something offensive, by many people, and that’s not the way you handled it! So thank you! Acknowledging a mistake is much more commendable then saying ‘people need to stop seeing racism in everything’, because guess what, racism does exist and is very prevalent in peoples lives wither or not other want to acknowledged and take a look at their actions.
It is obvious that you are a good person and I have no doubt that you and JF were simply expressing your artistry with no intention of hurting anyone. I saw the video and although I liked it, looking at JF I immediately sensed that it would be misinterpreted. People suffered tremendously by white people in America and that past is relatively recent, so I can understand that people would react like they did. It’s like here in Canada, French Canadian are called certain names by the Anglo majority, being of the French Canadian culture, I wouldn’t appreciate someone making a video that reminds me of that. But I do understand that you meant no harm and I still love you. :) See you in 2013 and have a great New Year, just carry on like you always do :)
Hi Nikkie!
Wat een vervelende situatie! Ik weet zeker dat je het niet zo bedoelde met de video, en ik sta volledig achter je! Ik hoop dat de anderen zich dat ook realiseren! Geniet van deze mooie periode, en ik weet zeker dat het allemaal goed komt!
Ik had geen idee dat er zo heftig op je turorial gereageerd was. Ik vond het geweldig en een prachtige vorm van kunst. Ik wil je een hart onder de riem geven en zeggen dat ik achter je sta. Ik begrijp je insteek en blijf je hart volgen.
Liefs Priscilla
People are stupid and take things way too seriously. Don’t pay attention to them. It was a great video and I love JF and your recreations. In America people take the “racism” crap way out of control. Don’t worry!!
Yeah, because racism shouldn’t be taken seriously. I mean, it not like America is a country with deeply rooted racism and atrocious history. Nop, not at all. Why would anyone take blackface seriously, let alone an American? the country were it originated, which created blackface to mock and further racially abuse black people. No, blackface isn’t serious at all, like all racism! lol, I mean so what if somethings racist?
it’s not racist nikkie, it’s art.
The history and context behind it is inherently racist, even if the intention isn’t.
Do you even believe your own words you just typed there? The ‘history’ behind this is merely a makeup campaign, and the context is ‘making a rendition of this art’. Nikkie’s video had NOTHING to do with the history of racism, and she was totally unaware of the whole blackface story, so how on earth can anyone see this particular video as racist?!
Firstly, I don’t believe Nikkie is racist at all, as I stated in my first post a few comments down. Secondly, I was replying to the comment which clearly states that blackface is not racist, that its simply ‘art’, which is beyond ignorant. It’s extremely disappointing that so many comments seem to disregard blackface as racist which I can only assume stems from a complete ignorance on the topic or worse, racist views of black people.
Lieve Nikkie,
ik heb het filmpje waar het over gaat niet gezien, maar ik vind het vreseslijk voor je hoe mensen reageren. Als die mensen ook maar een filmpje van jou hebben gezien, weten ze hoe lief en warm jij bent.
Blijf zoals je bent, je bent een mooi mens.
liefs
Lieve Nikkie,
Ik reageer nooit op blogposts maar voel me nu verplicht te reageren.
Ik ben zelf half Surinaams, half Nederlands.. Ik heb de video gezien en vond hem fantastisch.. Wat jij doet heeft niks te maken met racisme of wat dan ook.. Het is kunst!
Nooit is het in mij opgekomen dat dit als racistisch kon worden ervaren en ik vind dat ook ronduit belachelijk!
Je hebt een prachtig talent wat je met heel veel liefde deelt met de wereld en daar zouden mensen best wel eens wat dankbaarder voor mogen zijn.
Ik mag dan een kleurtje hebben en kroeshaar, maar ik ben gewoon een Nederlander en voel me op geen enkele manier aangesproken of beledigd.
Ik vind het erg jammer dat mensen jouw talent niet erkennen en waarderen! Kom op nou het is 2012!! Die mensen moeten goed bij zichzelf te raden gaan en uitzoeken waarom ze zo onzeker en ongelukkig zijn. Dit heeft niks met jou te maken!
Zelf ben ik op het moment bezig met het starten van een blog en zal uit protest ook een keer m’n gezicht wit maken.. Kijken of ik dan ook zulke achterlijke reacties krijg!
Je hebt dit totaal niet verdiend. Keep your head up en wees trots op wat je op jouw leeftijd bereikt hebt!
Xx Joya
I have always loved your videos and one of the biggest reasons for that is that you are one of the few talented youtuber’s who actually give tips for dark skinned women when talking about products and I always respected and loved that you recognised that your subscribers were of all different skin types. I makes me sad that you got caught up in this incident and that it has affected you, I don’t think people consider the fact that you are still very young. When I first saw black face a few years back in vogue it didn’t even occur to me it was racist until it was explained to me and I read the news articles and people’s opinions which opened up my eyes. And I’m a black girl. A lot of the time indirect or discrete racism like black face is not to obvious as it is not so in your face and I don’t think you should of been given a hard time for it at all. Black face is nothing new, magazines have been doing for decades. Don’t let this get you down, I there is not a racist bone in you!!! Love from London!
Hi Nikkie,
I just wanted to tell you to hold your head high and not pay attention to people who’s only food is their own hate.
I have been following you for about a year and you are very inspiring. I’m 26 and I knew very little about make-up and wasn’t really into it before starting to watch your videos (yeah, I was also procrastinating as I was writing my thesis XD). I have learned so much from you! I have better tools to do make-up, I experiment more and, most importantly, I’m not clueless when someone’s talking about crease :P So THANK YOU! Your videos are inspiring to watch both when you’re doing wearable tutorials and when you’re doing fantasy like or slightly “over the edge” ones.
You rock and 2013 will be amazing for you!
“THIS is ART… Does not matter if Alex Box, Dustyohunter, JFCD or Nikkietutorials does something like this… It is and always will be art, just for their love and creativity… People always get offended by Art, because they don’t think… they don’t want to just let it be ART… They always judge. And THIS is how you destroy art and beautiful minds full of creativity…
Nikkie… really, you can explain yourself but you don’t have to be sorry for that or take down this wonderful video wich cost you and JFCD a whole lot of work…”
THIS !
And, I’m so chocked right now ! I never thought something like that can wake up the minds & make think about racism, it is absolutely DUMB ! How people could be against racism, and wish to stop it, if they see it everywhere ? I’m so sorry to hear that, Nikkie, you’re really good at what you do and YOU ARE AN ARTIST, AND THIS WAS ART ! I support you with all my heart, dear. (I apologize for my bad english, I am French, I hope that you will understand what I meant)
Heb geen een seconde aan racisme gedacht. Erg jammer dat mensen het zo erg opvatten. Jammer van die mooie video maar ik snap het wel. Sterkte nikkie!
Zie trouwens nog steeds niet wat er rasistisch aan is!
I must say… I’m angry! But for those people who says- thats racism. Think- the most racial is to see this in everything. It is obsession for people. Omg! thats stupid for me… I know that Blackface is horrible but MOTHER OF GOD, people! think and than have an opinion. I think that people should be smarter! If you didn’t even think about it that’s the best evidence that you are not racial.
Loveee! U r hudge inspiration! Nikki please don’t be sad! Just 4 things – dream,create,hope&belive. You can do more then you think! Just keep doing what you love. Kisses;*
I never saw the video but im sure it was beautiful. I think people try to turn things into more than they are.
Nikki I’m from the states and I LOVE your tutorials!! I have never EVER thought you have been hateful in anyway and especially not in that vid. I understand where people are coming from, but at the same time it’s obviously a fun make up look. I don’t even understand why everyone thru so much hate at Illamasqua, I don’t think their campaign was even supposed to be racist and I definitely don’t think your vid was. Just brush it off! You’re one of the best make up artist on YouTube! Keep going and let the haters hate! Much love!!!
Ik vind het zo jammer dat de mensen die anderen beschuldigen van racisme, juist de mensen zijn die het in stand houden. Net zoals bij jouw video, het ging nooit, maar dan ook NOOIT om racisme, het was art. Toch maken de mensen die zulke commentaren geven het toch negatief, en dat is hun schuld, niet de jouwe. Mensen zouden eens in moeten zien dat niet iedereen uit is op andermans leed, en moeten begrijpen dat zij juist door dat soort reacties te geven, de mensen zijn die racisme in de wereld houden. Het moet van twee kanten komen, en het is gewoon fout om jou woorden in de mond te leggen.
Sterkte Nikkie, je verdient alle geluk in de wereld.
Heej Nikkie
Ik reageer eigenlijk nooit op je posts maar dit moet er bij mij echt uit. Ik was echt totaal flabergasted toen ik las dat mensen je hebben beschuldigd van racisme voor deze vid. Dit is visagie, kunst, performance!
@ alle haters, ik denk dat jullie te raden moeten gaan wat racisme is en waarover je nu werkelijk gevallen bent in deze video van Nikkie.
Ik denk dat de haters je beschuldigd hebben van discriminatie op basis van huidskleur. Zijn jullie bang dat Nikkie xenofobisch bezig was; angst voor vreemdelingen?? En aantasting op gelijkwaardigheid? Wat is volgens jullie überhaupt racisme?
Omdat ik echt geen idee had wat ‘blackface’ is, heb ik maar wat onderzoek op internet gedaan. Het bleek dat het een 175 jaar oude schmink methode is voor performances, vooral in het theater. Als ik wikipedia mag citeren ” Blackface was an important performance tradition in the American theater for roughly 100 years beginning around 1830.”
Nikkie, ik heb zoveel mooie reacties gelezen hier en hoop echt dat je hier je kracht uit kan halen om vooral nog meer mooie dingen te doen. Controverse is een belangrijk thema in de kunst ook al is dat niet je uitgangspunt.
Groetjes Anne
Nikkie,
If anything, you have gained even more love and respect from me for writing this post. I didn’t get the chance to see the video you had put up but, “knowing” you, can’t imagine that you could have done anything that would be viewed by an even remotely open-minded person as racist or hurtful in any way. I’m so sorry you got the reactions you did, but also feel a little sorry for the people who made them for being so short-sighted and just plain mean for trying to make you feel bad about your work..most of them probably have a lot missing from their lives. Keep up all the great work, Nikkie, and don’t forget how many followers you have who love you!
Nikkie,
The appropriate term is “x of color” (woman of color, man of color).
I truly believe you had no bad intentions but not knowing something is not an appropriate excuse in life.
wir haben es nicht gewusst
Nikki,
Je hebt mensen die jou goed vinden en je mogen en je hebt mensen die jou goed vinden en daar verschrikkelijk jaloers op zijn.
De laatse mensen zullen alles aangrijpen om jou de grond in te boren.
Volgens hen heb je nu een goede aaneleiding gegeven om haat reacties te geven want ooh ooh wat is dat toch makkelijk.
Meid, laat het rusten.
Probeer het niet persoonlijk op te vatten, zij die haatmail hebben gestuurd zijn dat al lang weer vergeten en jij zit er nu mee.
Je hebt er goed aan gedaan om het filmpje te deleten, “the haters kunnen weer ademhalen” en jij kan er volgende maand misschien wel om lachen, of over twee maanden;).
Je bent een topmeid en je doet goed werk!
Hi,
I just looked up the vid and I think it’s an amazing art piece. You both did a very good job and throughout the entire video it has never occured to me that this might have to do something with racism. You made a great move saying this apology on your website, so people know whats up. But you should stop thinking about it now, you did what you did and even dough it was a really good thing people got upset. Well that’s life unfortunetly. You did everything you could. Now go get your rest and let it all sink in. You’re a sweet girl and don’t ever feel ashamed or worry about it again OKAY? :-)
Greetz from Brabant!
Aangezien er al heel veel uitgebreide comments zijn waar ik me totaal bij aansluit wil ik alleen dit nog even zeggen: je bent een topwijf en laat je niet kisten!!!
Liefs
Ahhw meis, kop op! Ik denk dat het er ook gewoon heel erg mee te maken heeft dat wij hier in nederland er niet eens over dit soort dingen nadenken! Hier is het heel gewoon dat iedereen gelijk is in amerika natuurlijk wat minder…
Beste nikkie,
Toen ik je video zag was het ook niet in mij opgekomen dat dit racistisch was. Ik vond het een leuke video en heb er alleen maar naar gekeken als een stuk kunst. Ik vind het raar dat sommige mensen denken dat het racistisch is, het lijkt wel alsof ze ergens over willen zeuren. Sterkte nog, ik vind je super en je video’s ook!
Liefs, Fije
Hello Nikki. As a woman of color from the South in the USA I can see where all the controversy is coming from: but that by no means makes the racist comments justified. I noted one other thing about the photo on which your video was based: to me it just seemed like two stereotypes laughing at one another in a healthy slash artistic way. I believe we have all experienced ignorance from others regardless of skin color. We shouldn’t let ignorance slow us down in life. Oh and I’ve been to Europe and there is a hell of a lot less racism than here in the US but just because I didn’t experience it while there doesn’t mean that bigotry is dead. But guess what? I still love, love, LOVE you for your awesomeness, craziness, and amazing makeup tutorials. Your energy always makes me smile and laugh and I want you to keep smiling and being insane. I believe you when you say you meant no harm and it takes a lot to apologize to those who have taken offense as well as those who are just plain haters. Don’t stop being you, Nikki. Not ever. Ps: I was very inspired by your Lana del Ray tutorial and copied the look ’cause Lana’s my favorite artist at the moment and I just felt you did such and amazing job! Cheer up and start being insane again! Hugs from Louisiana!
What a wonderful and eloquent comment! You said it better than I ever could have :)
Nikkie, those people looked at your collaboration artwork, and all they saw was ‘racism’. They chose not to see the tribute, the beauty, the effort that went into the collaberation. They chose to be offended by black and white. It is those people, who chose not to see past colour, who are racist. Don’t fluff up your feathers over touchy aggressive people. You’re ace xx
True!!
Indeed, true!!
Too true…the video was amazing :)
I have missed the video unfortunatelly….but I’m sure it was purely professional and not racist at all! Still love you!
Kom op mensen (die hier tegen protesteren) het is 2013 nu, alhoewel we leven er nog maar net in maar toch het is 2013. Doe even normaal? Kunst = kunst. Tegenwoordig is het zo moeilijk om jezelf te zijn omdat er altijd één zieke geest is die alles verpest door het racistisch, verkeerd of iets anders te noemen. Nikkie ik vond het ge-wel-dig!
I missed the video but this racism thing sounds like something I would not think of either. I didn’t even know that make-up art and a subject this could be connected like that in the first place. People that watch your videos a lot will know that you are the opposite of a racist person. But anyways, I love your vids :) keep your head up.
x
Hey Nikki!
It’s so sad that people saw it as racism. I thougt it was beautiful and it was art, nothing more or less.. i just can NOT see how this can be rascism!?
So please don’t feel that sorry..
You are only responsible for what you say, not who people take it..
And now everybody knows jou didn’t mean it that way.
And if people discontinued with being a subscriber than that says more about them than about you..
“Liefs” a girl from Holland (sorry for my Englisch. i just wanted that everybody could read it!!
Omg, ik zie net dat ik “jou” had ipv you. Zo slecht ben ik ook weer niet in Engels schrijven haha
Honey, I think it’s nice for you to apologise and if that helps, I didn’t know about this blackface stuff too.But, you should not get so sad about it, people judge according to their on feellings, if they can only see racism instead of art that’s how ugly they are, like inside.
I enjoy your videos very much, your a gorgeous, fun, very creative artist, I’m from Brazil and my english sucks, I hope its understandable…
XD
I saw both videos and I loved them. I too didn’t know about the hated campaigns,(I still don’t) but I thought the looks were so much fun, don’t worry so much about it, I love your videos! Take care! :)
When you said you and JF were doing a collab for christmas I was so excited because I love both your channels. I loved the videos so much because they were totally orginal and as you said, ‘Christmas has been remixed!’ Like you, it never occurred to me that anyone would call you racist.
I don’t think anyone can start hating you Nikkie for something that wasn’t even intentional, you’ve apologised, and all you can do is move on. If people don’t think that’s enough, well, what else is there to do?
I will never loose respect for you, and when I was looking around this website, I got really excited because it says you can do wedding makeup and stuff! I am nowhere near getting married, but when I meet that special guy, I’ll be in touch!!!!
Makeup is art, and when the campaign was made, I highly doubt anyone was being racist, they were just making art. You’re an artist Nikkie, an extremely talented one! Don’t let these haters get you down, because you still have loads of fans who will always respect you!
Aw Nikkie,
It disturbs me how you have to be so careful with what you say these days. The moment you mention differences in skin colour, you have to censor yourself! You can barely acknowledge the fact of different races and skin colours without automatically being blasted with the ugly term, “RACIST!”
As far as i’m aware, being a ‘racist’ constitutes of feeling hatred for a certain race, abusing them, acting violently towards them etc – None of which you have ever done.
To the people telling you that they’ve ‘lost all respect for you’, I say grow up.
Use your brains to determine whether the person you’re accusing of being ‘racist’ (a VERY serious and overused term) is actually being a racist – or simply innocently noting the interesting difference and beauty of each culture and race.
Nikkie, you are a strong, motivated, talented and funny individual – and I think you’re a role model for younger females (and possibly males? o_0).
Don’t let keyboard warriors make you feel anything you don’t want to.
Stay strong little woman and keep uploading without fear of uneducated backlash.
Love, Stephanie x
The people that have the problem with that sort of thing ARE the ones that are racist. You were innocent!
Im sorry that you had to endear such negativity about the video that i found to be so interesting and creative but you must know either way you weren’t doing it to be a RACIST or whatever other stupid racial things people may have said…all i can say is keep doing your great videos and keep being you, cause there are others here who still love you IRREGARDLESS!!!..you cant help what others may think cause like they say opinions are like assholes everyone has one….KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK, AND KEEP YOUR HEAD UP.
seriously…you?…a racist? come on people! LOL they just need to get a grip! Keep doin’ your thing girl! You are amazing and so talented.. I have learned so much from you. Don’t let them get you down! You were right to speak your mind and share your side. xoxo love love love you
I wanna say so much…but all I can say is Respect for you writing this.
Nikkie, people on the internet are sometimes just crazy. And just out there to put negativity into this world. You are an amazing make-up artist and you should not have to justify yourself because people don’t understand your work. I know you’ve inspired me and a lot of other people and I wanted to thank you for that.
Love from Berlin, Caly
Oh Gosh, I did not even think about racism a sec. before you mentioned it here when I watched your marvellous video. I thought it rocked and introduced me to the cosmetics of Illamasqua. I grew up in various countries, far away from my home, in international schools. Most of the time racism was never a problem but we did talk about it either in classes or amongst ourselves. My best friends were from different cultures, colors and spoke all kinds of languages. I always loved it. That is probably why I ended up working in an international organization. Racism has never and will never be a theme in my family. I teach my kids to be open minded and respect all human kind. I do not tolerate ignorance but have to accept the fact that there are millions of them sharing this world with me. That is, unfortunately, sad but also dangerous. I do hope that one day we will all live in harmony with each other and that racism will be our very last worry!
Hi Nikki,
Just like other supporting subscribers, I’m sure you are not a racist and your intentions were not harm, hurt or offend others. I’m black and in my life I have stumbled upon other people, in both USA and Holland, who had intense hate for black people (not only black people) and that’s why I know (even though I don’t know you personally) that you are not a racist. I have learned to live with prejudices and racism and I know that not everybody is like that.
I just wanted to let you know that I was not offended by your video or any of your actions and I’m sure that there are others like me who feel the same way. Of course it was a tragedy what happened in the past but we have to look forward to a (better) future and in the present promote the positive things in life and not the negative things. I’m not saying that we should be ignorant and forget that there is racism in the world, but that’s life. There are going to be people who hate others for no significant reason or because they are scared for the unknown and in the opposite way there are also going to be people who can’t let go and feel offended and victimized by every single thing that happens. I just hope that one day we can just look past all this and everybody can let go and leave in peace.
I haven’t lost respect for you, I think you are a great make up artist and I’m sure a lot of girls and women look up to you. You are a great girl with a sparkling personality and I agree with your friend. Let it rest. You have shared your part of the story and people can either believe it or don’t. At least, you let everybody know what you wanted them to know.
I’m sorry for the long comment but I just wanted to let you know that I support you.
Hi Nikkie! Well, I’m late as usual!
My god people go to extremes with these things… people just make certain they put their hate stamp on it!!!
You know, I’m “white” (well, there’s not WHITE, is there? I’m beige or whatever haha) but in my family I have chinese people and black… and funny shit – chinese/black cousins! AWESOME! So I’m kinda immune to see differences because I’ve seen them since I exist… So… I sometimes forget that there is something called “racism” like you do (being surrounded by different looking people all the time)…
I DIDN’T KNOW about “blackface”, I knew about Vaudeville stuff but didn’t know it had a name… and… I mean… It’s over! History! I know it’s easy for me to say but… I suffer from a different kind of passive-aggressive injustice for other reasons so I kinda know what it’s like to be on the other side of hate… And I just feel (about the whole subject) that we should all LET THINGS GOOOOOOOOOO!! People LOVE to hate… Weird but true. Makes them feel better about themselves (…vomit). Bah!! Ok, so a publicity on makeup hit some nerves.. in a few days something else will happen that will make you dead angry!
I say PAINT YOURSELF THE COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW, COVER YOUR NIPPLES WITH RHINESTONES, PUT SOME GLITTER PANTIES AND DO A BACKFLIP! LIFE’S AWESOME! YOU’RE AWESOME! And I see here a LOT of Love for ya!! :D