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FIRST ON FOX – Activist group StopAntisemitism is demanding that Sephora terminate its partnership with Huda Beauty after the brand’s founder, Huda Kattan, shared a controversial TikTok video. In the video, Kattan accused Israel of being responsible for multiple global conflicts, including both World Wars, the September 11 attacks, and the recent attack by Hamas on October 7.
Kattan’s alarming claims in the now-deleted TikTok post, which reached 1.7 million followers, suggested that Israel’s influence extends to major historical events. She stated, “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? Like, I had a feeling — I was like, ‘Are they behind every World War?’ Yes. Behind September 11? Absolutely.”
It is important to note that both World War I, which concluded in 1918, and World War II, which ended in 1945, occurred long before the establishment of the modern State of Israel in 1948. Kattan’s comments have drawn widespread condemnation.
In a letter acquired by Fox News Digital, Liora Rez, the founder of StopAntisemitism, emphasized that Sephora would compromise its values by continuing to offer Huda Beauty products. Rez stated, “If Sephora is serious about creating a safe and inclusive space for all communities, it must drop Huda Beauty immediately.”
Incitement through Social Media
In her correspondence, Rez further criticized Kattan for continuously using her platform to propagate harmful stereotypes against Jewish people. She mentioned, “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’s letter concluded with an ultimatum, asserting, “I am requesting Sephora immediately sever ties with Huda Beauty and stop carrying its products online and in stores. Until you do so, I will not be shopping in your stores and will be making my friends, family, and community aware of this troubling issue.”
Expert Reactions to Kattan’s Claims
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Rez labeled Kattan an “unhinged hater” who spreads bigotry through her platform, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
A representative from TikTok confirmed that Kattan’s video was removed for violating their community guidelines, which prohibit misinformation likely to cause significant harm. This removal reflects the platform’s commitment to curbing harmful narratives.
Tamar Major, who serves as the USA National Director for Yad Vashem, expressed concern regarding Kattan’s statements. Major pointed out the dangerous parallels between Kattan’s rhetoric and the antisemitic discourse prevalent during the Nazi regime, asserting, “Hearing that same rhetoric resurface today is not just offensive — it’s historically illiterate and profoundly dangerous.”
The Broader Context of Antisemitism
Notably, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas included similar accusations against Jews in its 1988 charter. The group perpetrated the deadly attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in nearly 1,200 fatalities in Israel, along with the abduction of 251 individuals.
Huda Kattan launched Huda Beauty in 2013, and it has since evolved into a highly profitable enterprise, reportedly generating around $200 million annually. By 2017, the company was valued at approximately $1.2 billion. Kattan’s products have been available in Sephora since the brand’s inception and began broader distribution in the U.S. and worldwide starting in 2015.
Call for Accountability from Retailers
Kattan has made various accusations against Israel, alleging, among other things, that the state harbors criminals and engages in organ harvesting. Jewish organizations have condemned her remarks, urging retailers to reconsider their association with her brand.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, stated unequivocally, “Huda Kattan built a brand around beauty—but these antisemitic conspiracy theories are nothing short of ugly hate. Spreading vile myths about Jews to millions of followers isn’t just reckless—it’s dangerous.”
Ari Hoffnung, representing JLens, a network focused on Jewish values-based investing, echoed the sentiment challenging retailers’ decisions regarding partnerships with brands linked to hate speech. Hoffnung stated, “They can continue to platform a brand whose founder promotes hate-fueled conspiracy theories, or they can take a stand against antisemitism.”
The Next Steps for Sephora
As the controversy unfolds, both Sephora and Huda Kattan have not responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. Public pressure mounts as consumers and activists alike demand accountability from brands that choose to support individuals with such divisive views.
