Activist Group Calls for Sephora to Drop Huda Beauty

Sephora is facing pressure from StopAntisemitism, an activist group demanding the retailer cease carrying Huda Beauty products. This follows a controversial TikTok post by Huda Kattan, the brand’s founder, accusing Israel of being behind major global conflicts and events, including both World Wars and the 9/11 attacks. The video, which reached her 1.7 million followers, was removed by TikTok for violating community guidelines against harmful misinformation.

Historical Context and Reactions

Huda Kattan’s claims have been widely criticized for their inaccuracy and potential to incite hatred. Notably, both World War I and World War II occurred before the establishment of modern Israel in 1948. Liora Rez, founder of StopAntisemitism, argues that continuing to stock Huda Beauty contradicts Sephora’s commitment to inclusivity. Rez has publicly urged Sephora to sever ties with the brand, emphasizing that Kattan’s platform has been used to spread antisemitic rhetoric.

Industry and Community Responses

The backlash extends beyond StopAntisemitism. Tamar Major from Yad Vashem highlighted the dangerous parallels between Kattan’s statements and historical Nazi propaganda. The Anti-Defamation League and other Jewish organizations have also condemned Kattan’s remarks, urging retailers to reconsider their partnerships with her brand. Ari Hoffnung of JLens emphasized the importance of opposing antisemitism in business practices.

Business Implications for Huda Beauty

Huda Beauty, founded in 2013 by Kattan, has grown into a billion-dollar enterprise with significant profits. Its products have been available in Sephora stores since 2015. The current controversy poses a risk to its reputation and market presence, as calls for boycotts could impact sales and partnerships.