Sephora is “actively reviewing” antisemitic comments made by Huda Beauty founder Huda Kattan, after facing mounting calls from Jewish organizations for the beauty line to be removed from all stores.
In a now-deleted TikTok video, the beauty mogul and influencer accused Israel of causing World War I, World War II, the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
“All of the conspiracy theories coming out and a lot of evidence behind them — that Israel has been behind World War I, World War II, September 11, October 7 — they allowed all of this stuff to happen. Is this crazy?” Kattan said. “Like, I had a feeling — I was like, ‘Are they behind every world war?’ Yes.”
World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945) occurred before the State of Israel was established in 1948.
Sephora said it’s taking the situation “very seriously,” and is working with the brand.
“Sephora is driven by its mission to create a welcoming and inclusive shopping experience for all. We recognize that comments from one of our brand partners have raised concerns and want to be clear: promoting hate, harassment, or misinformation does not align with our values or code of conduct,” Sephora said in a statement to CNN.
Fox and CNN reported that TikTok removed Kattan’s video for violating its community guidelines.
StopAntisemitism founder Liora Rez wrote in a letter obtained by Fox News Digital that Sephora would be violating its own values if it continued to sell Huda Beauty.
“If Sephora is serious about creating a safe and inclusive space for all communities, it must drop Huda Beauty immediately,” Rez wrote.
“From spreading the antisemitic lie that Jews harvest the organs of Palestinians to victim-blaming Israelis after Hamas’ terrorist atrocities, Kattan has consistently used her massive platform to incite against Jews,” Rez adds. “I will not be shopping in your stores and will be making my friends, family, and community aware of this troubling issue.”
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Social media users and Jewish groups online have called for Sephora to cut ties with the beauty brand, which brings in $200 million in annual sales and is valued at $1.2 billion in 2017, according to Forbes.
The American Jewish Committee reposted Kattan’s video on X, adding that she was spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories.
“This isn’t ‘criticism of Israel.’ It’s centuries-old hate, repackaged and broadcast to millions,” AJC wrote on X.
The Anti-Defamation League made a statement that Kattan’s video echoes “some of the oldest and most pernicious antisemitic tropes.”
“Huda Kattan built a brand around beauty, but these antisemitic conspiracy theories are nothing short of ugly hate,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL’s Chief Operating Officer. “Spreading vile myths about Jews to millions of followers isn’t just reckless, it’s dangerous.”
Kattan faced similar controversy over Israel. In the days following the Oct. 7 attack, Kattan told an Israeli customer who was threatening to boycott Huda Beauty that she “didn’t want blood money.” Her comments sparked a petition demanding that Sephora stop selling her brand.
PR Newswire said Huda Beauty became a fully independent company in June. Kattan bought back her equity from TSG Consumer Partners, following the end of an eight-year partnership.
Kattan has not made a public statement about her video since it was removed.
The Washington Examiner has contacted Kattan, Huda Beauty, and Sephora for comment.
