British retailers continue to stock Huda Beauty despite founder’s ‘hate’ video - The Jewish Chronicle

Major UK department stores and makeup shops, including Selfridges and Boots, are continuing to stock products from controversial Dubai-based brand Huda Beauty, whose founder has shared anti-Israel conspiracy theories.

Iraqi-American makeup company founder, Huda Kattan, sparked controversy last month when she shared a video in which she claimed there was evidence that Israel was responsible for the First and Second World Wars, the September 11, 2001, Twin Tower attack, and the Hamas-led attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.

In a since-deleted video posted in July to her nearly two million followers on TikTok, Kattan accused Israel of deliberately allowing the October 7 massacre to happen.

“All of the conspiracy theories coming out and a lot of evidence behind them – that Israel has been behind World War One, World War Two, September 11, October 7 – they allowed all of this stuff to happen,” Kattan said, according to the American non-profit StopAntisemitism.

Jonathan Greenblatt, the chief executive of the Anti-Defamation League, accused Kattan of “Spreading vile myths about Jews to millions of followers”.

The ADL CEO went on: “Huda Kattan built a brand around beauty – but these antisemitic conspiracy theories are nothing short of ugly hate.”

Global beauty chain Sephora was set to include Kattan’s company in its upcoming autumn campaign titled “Experts”.

But following outcry over Kattan’s posts, Sephora, which is owned by luxury conglomerate LVMH, reportedly dropped Huda Beauty from its campaign.

However, UK stores have been less responsive regarding Kattan’s posts.

British high street retailer Boots continues to stock Kattan's products, listing 70 Huda Beauty items for sale on its website.

Selfridges on Oxford Street also continues to sell Huda Beauty, with 50 products listed on the website for between £65 and £11.

Meanwhile, fashion site Asos is selling more than one hundred products from Kattan’s line.

Huda Kattan rattled off several conspiracy theories about Israel in her video (Image: X/Anti Defamation League)[Missing Credit]

After receiving criticism for her conspiracy theory-filled video, Kattan posted another clip defending her comments.

She said: “A lot of people were taking it out of context and did not want that conversation happening... I never said anything about Jews, or even the Israeli people, so I chose to remove the video.

“It is no secret that I have been speaking out about Palestine for quite some time, and that happened as a result of me learning about the Palestinian cause.

She went on, “I have been labelled an antisemite, and now there is a smear campaign against me, and I do want to address being called an antisemite, because I would never condone any hate of any kind, that of course includes Jewish hate.

“And honestly, I would never talk about any people, because I stand against hate and discrimination. The video was misinterpreted.”

The JC approached Boots, Selfridges, Asos and Sephora for comment.

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