In a recent development that has reverberated across digital platforms and the beauty industry, TikTok has removed an inflammatory video posted by Huda Kattan, the celebrated beauty mogul and influential founder of the billion-dollar brand Huda Beauty. The video, shared with Kattan’s substantial following on TikTok, contained a series of assertions that sparked immediate and intense backlash.
Ms. Kattan, known globally as the face of Huda Beauty, disseminated claims accusing Israel of orchestrating major historical events. Among these, she cited World War I, World War II, the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the recent Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. Such pronouncements from an individual with her extensive reach have ignited a broader conversation about the responsibility of public figures in an era of pervasive digital information.
The factual inaccuracies within Ms. Kattan’s statements were immediately evident to many observers. Both World War I, which occurred between 1914 and 1918, and World War II, spanning from 1939 to 1945, concluded before the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. These historical timelines directly contradict the narrative presented in her video.
In her since-removed TikTok post, Ms. Kattan articulated her theories on camera. She stated, “All of the conspiracy theories coming out, along with a lot of evidence supporting them—that Israel has been behind World War I, World War II, September 11, and October 7—they allowed all of this to happen. Is this crazy?” She continued, expressing her personal conviction, “Like, I had a feeling—I was like, ‘Are they behind every world war?’ Yes.” This video also reportedly included other unsubstantiated allegations concerning Israel.
In response to the video’s content, a representative for TikTok confirmed to CNN that the platform had removed Ms. Kattan’s video. The removal was enacted on the grounds that the content violated TikTok’s community guidelines, which are designed to regulate the information shared across its global user base.
The platform’s community guidelines explicitly state its operational philosophy: “In a global community, it is natural for people to have different opinions, but we seek to operate on a shared set of facts and reality.” This principle underlies their approach to content moderation, particularly concerning potentially harmful misinformation.
Furthermore, TikTok’s guidelines stipulate a clear prohibition: “We do not allow misinformation that may cause significant harm to individuals or society, regardless of intent.” This policy underscores the platform’s commitment to curbing content that, even if unintentionally, could contribute to societal detriment. The removal of Ms. Kattan’s video aligns with this stated objective.
The aftermath of the video’s posting witnessed Ms. Kattan’s professional representation distance itself from her. CNN’s requests for comment from Kattan’s agency received no response. Additionally, a manager listed on public databases as a former representative for Ms. Kattan informed CNN via email that they no longer represented her, indicating a significant shift in her professional affiliations following the controversy.
The public dissemination of these theories rapidly escalated into a widespread movement, culminating in calls for major retailers, notably Sephora, to sever their commercial ties with Huda Beauty products. The brand, a powerhouse in the cosmetics industry, was valued at an impressive 1.2billionin2017andgeneratesapproximately200 million in annual sales, according to Forbes.
A representative for Sephora has not yet responded to CNN’s inquiries regarding the calls for a boycott. The situation casts a spotlight on the complex decisions retailers face when confronted with controversies involving the founders of brands they carry, especially when those controversies involve sensitive global issues and accusations of hate speech.
This incident is not an isolated one in Ms. Kattan’s record of public commentary following the events of October 7, 2023. Ms. Kattan, whose company commands an immense social media presence with over 57 million followers on Instagram, has consistently expressed her perspectives as an outspoken critic of Israel and a staunch supporter of Palestinians in Gaza.
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Previous instances of her public statements have similarly attracted significant attention and prompted calls for boycotts. For instance, within a week of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, an Israeli Instagram user made a threat to boycott her products. Ms. Kattan’s public response to this threat was direct and unequivocal: “I don’t want blood money.”
That particular exchange resulted in the initiation of a Change.org petition. This petition swiftly garnered substantial support, amassing over 30,000 signatures, all of which urged Sephora to remove Huda Beauty products from its retail stores. Such a strong public reaction underscores the intensity of sentiment surrounding Ms. Kattan’s political commentary.
Her most recent TikTok video, which contained the aforementioned conspiracy theories, triggered a particularly rapid and forceful backlash from prominent Jewish organizations. These groups issued strong condemnations, emphasizing the severe consequences of her remarks.
Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), issued a forceful statement regarding Ms. Kattan’s actions. He asserted, “Huda Kattan built a brand around beauty — but these antisemitic conspiracy theories are nothing less than ugly hate.” Mr. Greenblatt underscored the profound danger inherent in her statements, adding, “Spreading vile myths about Jews to millions of followers isn’t just reckless — it’s perilous.”
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) also adopted a resolute stance, sharing Ms. Kattan’s subsequently – removed TikTok video on social media platforms to draw public attention to its content. The accompanying statement issued by them spared no words, directly addressing the essence of the claims.
The AJC stated, “Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty, is utilizing her vast platform to disseminate vile antisemitic conspiracy theories — accusing Jews of harvesting the organs of Palestinians, orchestrating the 9/11 attacks, and operating global pedophile rings.” This all – encompassing accusation underscores the breadth of allegations attributed to Kattan by the AJC.
The organization further elucidated the seriousness of her statements, differentiating them from legitimate criticism. They concluded, “This isn’t ‘criticism of Israel.’ It’s centuries – old hate, repackaged and disseminated to millions.” This viewpoint places Kattan’s comments within a historical context of antisemitic stereotypes, indicating a more profound and malevolent nature to the claims.
Ari Hoffnung, the Managing Director of the Jewish nonprofit organization JLens, underscored the pivotal decision confronting retailers amid this evolving scenario. He succinctly articulated the option, stating, “Retailers are presented with a choice.”
Hoffnung expounded on this dichotomy: “They can persist in providing a platform for a brand whose founder propagates hate – laden conspiracy theories, or they can adopt a stance against antisemitism.” His remark encapsulates the ethical and business quandary that companies such as Sephora are currently facing.
Despite the controversy, Huda Kattan has maintained a substantial professional and financial standing. Forbes acknowledged her achievements by including her in its 2023 list of America’s Richest Self – Made Women. Moreover, she was featured on its 2024 list of Most Powerful Women in Business, which attests to her considerable influence in the business realm.
Beyond the recent TikTok controversy surrounding her, Huda Beauty itself is characterized as one of the most rapidly – expanding cosmetics brands on a global scale. Its product philosophy is centered on igniting creativity and empowering consumers, presenting a wide array of products tailored to every stage of a beauty routine.
Within its extensive product line, Huda Beauty offers a diverse selection of makeup items, essential application tools, and meticulously curated gift sets. The brand’s unwavering commitment to high – performance products serves as a cornerstone of its attractiveness in the fiercely competitive beauty market, meeting the diverse needs and preferences of consumers.
Sephora, a prominent beauty retailer, indeed stocks a broad range of Huda Beauty makeup products. For those beauty enthusiasts in search of new alternatives, the selection encompasses a multitude of makeup palettes. These palettes boast a wide spectrum of shades, spanning from everyday nude hues and delicate pinks to striking purples and multi – colored options, catering to a variety of aesthetic aspirations.
For individuals seeking to enhance the appearance of their lips, Huda Beauty presents a comprehensive assortment of lipsticks. The range encompasses well – known finishes, including mattes, high – shine variants, and all the shades in between, offering options to cater to different preferences and occasions, ranging from subtle elegance to bold statements.
Eye makeup represents another domain in which Huda Beauty excels, especially with its collection of false eyelashes. These eyelashes are meticulously designed to fulfill diverse needs, providing a wide array of choices, from classic, understated styles to volume – enhancing selections, ensuring that consumers can achieve their desired eye aesthetics, whether for daily wear or for a dramatic flair.
Among Huda Beauty’s dependable best – selling products is the Liquid Matte Ultra – Comfort Transfer – proof Lipstick. This product has attained cult – classic status, being recognized for its long – lasting formula. It also incorporates Huda Beauty’s proprietary Lip L.O.V.E. Complex, which is specifically formulated to preserve the suppleness and hydration of the lips throughout the wearing period.
In the realm of face makeup, the Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder emerges as a highly popular option. This product is highly favored by consumers who aim to attain an airbrushed finish, thereby contributing to a smooth and refined complexion. Its remarkable efficacy has rendered it an indispensable staple in the makeup routines of many individuals.
Another highly significant favorite for face contouring and bronzing is Huda Beauty’s Tantour Contour & Bronzer Cream. This versatile product is widely acclaimed by both contouring novices and seasoned professionals, offering ease of use and delivering effective results in defining facial features.
For those in search of reliable eyeshadow, the Rose Quartz Eyeshadow Palette is emphasized as a must – have item. This palette is deemed ideal for experimenting with a multitude of looks, providing a diverse range of true – to – color and universally flattering shades that cater to a variety of skin tones and creative inclinations.
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When discussing foundation, the #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation is distinguished by its full – coverage formula. This specific foundation is formulated to deliver exceptional longevity, enabling wear for up to 24 hours. Moreover, it features transfer – resistant and waterproof properties, ensuring its durability and performance under various conditions.
The controversy surrounding Ms. Kattan highlights the escalating tension between the extensive reach of social media influencers and the pressing need for factual accuracy in public discourse. As platforms such as TikTok endeavor to uphold “a shared set of facts and reality,” the responsibility of those with millions of followers grows ever more crucial.
This evolving scenario presents persistent questions for the beauty industry, the dynamics of influencer marketing, and the role of major retailers. The decisions made by platforms and businesses in response to such incidents are likely to continue influencing public perception and the standards of accountability in the digital age, reflecting a societal drive for greater integrity in online communication.
