LOS ANGELES – Beauty industry powerhouse Huda Kattan, founder of the billion-dollar cosmetics empire Huda Beauty, is at the centre of an intensifying international controversy after pro-Israel lobby groups urged retail giant Sephora to remove her products from its shelves worldwide. The calls for a boycott came in response to a now-deleted TikTok video in which Kattan made comments critics say echoed long-debunked conspiracy theories.
In the video, Kattan suggested that Israel “allowed” several historic tragedies—including World War I, World War II, the 9/11 attacks, and Hamas’ October 2023 assault—to occur because it stood to benefit politically or strategically. “They twist your words, label you an antisemite, and right now, I’m experiencing all of that,” she said in defence of her statements. The video was later removed by TikTok for violating its misinformation policy, although Kattan maintains she deleted it herself after seeing it taken “out of context.”
The reaction from advocacy organisations was swift and severe. The Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, and StopAntisemitism all issued statements condemning Kattan’s remarks and pressuring Sephora to sever ties with her brand. Sephora has since released a measured statement affirming its commitment to diversity and inclusion while noting the matter is under review.
Founded in 2013, Huda Beauty has grown into one of the most recognised names in cosmetics, boasting a valuation exceeding US $1.2 billion and a presence in over 150 countries. While Kattan’s outspoken support for Palestine has earned her a loyal following in parts of the Middle East and beyond, her latest comments have drawn accusations of promoting harmful rhetoric. Critics argue that her remarks not only risk alienating customers but could also strain relationships with major retail partners in the West.
Kattan, who is of Iraqi descent and grew up in the United States, has emphasised that her activism stems from a deep empathy for suffering communities, claiming she was profoundly affected by learning about the Holocaust in school. She insists her critique is political, not religious or racial, but acknowledges she is facing an aggressive campaign to discredit her.
Industry observers say the stakes are high. Sephora represents one of Huda Beauty’s largest retail channels, and any severance of ties could have significant commercial implications. At the same time, the controversy has amplified her visibility, sparking debates over free expression, corporate responsibility, and the boundaries between personal belief and brand image in the social media age.
As the uproar continues, the beauty mogul’s future in Western retail markets remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that Huda Kattan has become a flashpoint in the ongoing intersection of politics, commerce, and global consumer culture.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.