Kat Von D On Lipstick Name: 'Underage Red' Is Feminine Rebellion

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Kat Von D issued an open letter via Facebook this week after receiving some criticism over the name of one of her lipsticks: Underage Red.

As E! Online reports, the well-known tattoo artist received the backlash after a Twitter user made mention of the lipstick color name.

"'Underage Red' is not a girly, pink shade. It is not a sophisticated, deep red either. It is an unapologetic, bold red. To me, 'Underage Red' is feminine rebellion," Von D said in responding to the criticism.

"These wild, and horrific accusations proclaiming that any aspect of my makeup line would ever promote the degradation of women, statutory rape, sexual behavior, human trafficking, underage drinking, or
even idealization of fleeting youth, goes against everything I stand for," she said.

She also explained that she's the "sole creative force" behind her brand and the "one responsible for naming every single shade," which she sells exclusively at Sephora.

"So I don't see why anyone should aim any backlash towards such a great company like Sephora, who ultimately has no creative input on such matters," she said.

Von D also said, in creating any beauty product, it's been her goal "to provide the creative tools for self-expression and to empower those who choose to wear it."

"If you read the word 'underage' and you automatically jump to a disgusting conclusion, I ask you to perhaps question your own mind and thoughts. Consider the damage such negativity can actually cause, verses actually help.

"So, NO. I refuse to sacrifice my integrity and creative freedom. NO. I will not be pulling "Underage Red" from my collection. And NO. This is not an apology," she said.

To read her complete response, click here.