Huda Beauty Faces Boycott Calls and Divided Reactions Over Founder’s Political Stance

Huda Beauty, the global cosmetics brand founded by Iraqi-American entrepreneur Huda Kattan, finds itself at the center of controversy following Kattan’s vocal support for Palestine and criticism of what she calls the "silence" on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The backlash began after Kattan posted on social media expressing her unwillingness to accept "blood money" from Israeli customers, a remark that led to calls for boycotts and a petition seeking to remove Huda Beauty products from Sephora stores in the US, which has gathered thousands of signatures.

The controversy intensified in the wake of the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent military actions in Gaza. Kattan has remained outspoken, reposting content from the Palestine Promise Instagram account and using her platform to call for awareness about the situation, despite the risk to her business. “Have you spoken up yet?” she wrote in a recent Instagram caption, emphasizing her commitment to raising her voice on the issue.

The brand’s stance has split its customer base. While many supporters praise Kattan for her courage and humanitarian advocacy—including her attention to crises like those in Sudan—others have expressed strong disagreement, with some high-profile figures such as actress Eva Longoria distancing themselves from the brand over conflicting political views. The debate has spilled over into discussions about Kattan’s past collaborations and business decisions, including criticism over her endorsement of other controversial figures in the beauty industry and allegations of insufficient support for certain communities.

Despite the turmoil, Huda Beauty remains a leading force in the beauty world, with Kattan recently regaining full ownership of the company and continuing to drive innovation and inclusivity within the industry. The brand’s journey through these controversies highlights the challenges faced by global entrepreneurs who take public stands on sensitive geopolitical issues. No official comments have been issued by Huda Beauty or Sephora regarding the ongoing controversy.