Ariana Madix and Katie Face Backlash for Promoting New Merch

Credit: Instagram

Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney faced backlash from fans earlier this week after taking to their Instagram accounts to promote new Something About Her merch — despite their sandwich shop having yet to open.

Ahead of the December 5 release of Ariana’s new book, Single AF Cocktails: Drinks for Bad B*tches, which just so happens to fall on the same day she’ll compete in the Dancing With the Stars finale, Ariana, 38, and her Vanderpump Rules co-star, Katie, 36, announced the release of Something About Her socks.

“Surprise! We’ve got some new [Something About Her] merch for you, just in time for the holidays,” the ladies announced in a joint Instagram post on November 30, which featured the two of them showing off the socks in their yet-to-be-opened sandwich shop. “Check out these bada** socks that we made in collaboration with [Hippy Feet Socks]. Every pair is made in the USA and created with recycled materials. Better yet, Hippy Feet is committed to donating 50% of its profits to charities working to end youth homelessness. For this particular collaboration, donations will be given to our neighbor over in West Hollywood, [My Friend’s Place].”

“We’ve been so grateful for your support this past year that we decided to pay it forward through this special collaboration. Help us help youth affected by homelessness here in Los Angeles and get some incredibly dope socks while you’re at it,” they added.

Although half of the proceeds will be going to a good cause, that wasn’t enough to temper the backlash they received from fans, who expressed confusion over their decision to continue to sell merch for a restaurant that hasn’t opened its doors to patrons.

“Selling merch for a store that still doesn’t exist is getting weird now,” one person wrote.

“[You’re] selling merch but aren’t selling sandwiches yet?” asked another.

“Something about her socks… nothing about her sandwiches,” noted a third as a fourth wrote, “All socks no sandwiches.”

Someone else wondered, “Seriously? More merch for a non-existent sandwich shop?”

Other Instagram users asked if Ariana and Katie were still planning to open the shop as some requested sandwiches.

“Everything but the sandwiches,” another complained as Ariana and Katie’s promotion was labeled “fishy.”

“How are you selling merch for a shop that isn’t even open??? Seems so fishy, I love y’all but I don’t get it at all,” someone stated.

As for the upcoming release date of Single AF Cocktails, which she’s described as her “breakup album,” Ariana said it may not have been the best move scheduling it for the same day that she’ll compete for the Mirrorball Trophy on DWTS.

“I don’t know why I did that to myself to be honest!” she admitted to Page Six on November 26. “I’m really setting myself up for quite a day.”

That said, Ariana described DWTS as “the light of my life the last few months” and said next Tuesday could be one of the “best” days ever.

Regarding her book, which will touch on Tom Sandoval‘s affair with Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, 29, Ariana said she hopes readers can relate to the heartache she endured.

“There’s things that I’ve learned a lot about, like myself and in my journey, and I just want us all to kind of feel empowered,” Ariana shared. “It’s not just about me; it’s about so many other people. Even if you don’t resonate with my story whatsoever, there are some really great pictures and some really great cocktails, and sometimes that’s all you need.”

The Dancing With the Stars season 32 finale begins Tuesday, December 5, at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.

Vandepump Rules season 11 premieres next month on Bravo.