Pelosi Salon Scandal: Stylist Says It Was A Set Up

TOPLINE

The stylist at the center of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s controversial hair appointment said Pelosi was set up by the salon owner who blamed the speaker for shutting down her business, supporting Pelosi’s defense of the visit widely criticized by Republicans this week.

KEY FACTS

Crucial quote

 “The fact that Ms. Kious is now objecting to Speaker Pelosi’s presence at eSalon, and from a simple surface-level review of Ms. Kious’ political leanings, it appears Ms. Kious is furthering a set-up of Speaker Pelosi for her own vain aspirations. Mr. DeNardo’s name has now been dragged through the mud for simply following Ms. Kious’ recommendations,” the statement reads.

Chief critics

The original story, published by Fox News, has been widely shared in conservative media circles and used by Republicans to call Pelosi a hypocrite. The most-shared post by a U.S. page on Facebook is a Brietbart meme about the scandal, according to New York Times tech columnist Kevin Roose.

President Donald Trump weighed in on Thursday, slamming Pelosi for falling for a setup so easily.

“Crazy Nancy Pelosi said she was “set up” by the beauty parlor owner when she improperly had the salon opened (and didn’t wear a MASK!). Does anyone want a Speaker of the House who can be so easily SET UP?” he tweeted.

Key background

Hair salons and barber shops have been closed since March, and were only allowed to reopen for outdoor service this week. Though state orders allow for indoor service, local leaders can enact stricter rules, as San Francisco has done. The personal care industry has pushed back hard against closures, accusing city leaders of jeopardizing the livelihoods of salon owners and workers.

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