This week, a hairstylist revealed that incoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s ex-wife, Marla Maples, tried to ask for free services in exchange for social media mentions. While Trump and his family are known for their wealth, Maples appears to have made a misstep as she reportedly tried to get out of paying for hair and makeup services for Inauguration Day.
Tricia Kelly spoke with The Washington Post and said that a client told her about a hair styling job for Trump’s second wife and his daughter, Tiffany Trump, for the special occasion. The hairstylist expressed her interest in the job and told Maple’s assistant about her rates.
Kelly, who is one of the stylists at Randolph Cree salon in Washington, D.C., said that she requires a travel fee of $150 in addition to the cost of her services. However, the assistant reportedly told her that Maples and Tiffany were only given a budget of $300 for both of them for hair and makeup.
After much discussion, Kelly agreed to be paid $200 to style the mother and daughter duo, plus $150 for a makeup artist for both of them. At that point, Maples’ assistant reportedly asked Kelly and the makeup artist if they were willing to work for free in exchange for exposure.
Maples is said to have offered to mention Kelly and the unnamed makeup artist on her social media pages to promote their services. Kelly refused to work for free.
“I was stunned,” said Kelly. “I told them…I work for a fee, not for free.”
Kelly, who has both Republican and Democrat clients, told the Post that she decided to share her story after being subjected to Maples’ “entitled” behavior.
Some of Kelly’s followers immediately commented on the issue on her Instagram page, with one calling her an “industry hero.” Another commenter said that Kelly may have passed up a chance to be promoted by Trump’s family, but also “feels sorry” for her.
“I’ve noticed people with money constantly try to get things for free,” said one of Kelly’s followers, “but they get all offended when poor people try the same thing.”
Maples and Tiffany Trump have yet to comment on the issue.
