Calls Grow for Sephora to Drop Antisemitic Influencer

By Danielle Arfin

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Jewish investor network JLens have condemned beauty influencer and entrepreneur Huda Kattan for spreading rhetoric they say promotes antisemitic conspiracy theories. The watchdog group StopAntisemitism was among the first to flag Kattan’s social media activity, which included reposting content accusing Israel of harvesting Palestinian organs and spreading blood libels about Jews. Kattan is the founder of the global cosmetics brand Huda Beauty, which is sold at major retailers including Sephora. Wingate News reached out to Sephora for comment and will update if a response is received.

In a joint statement published on July 25, the ADL and JLens said they were “deeply disturbed” by videos shared on Kattan’s social media accounts and called for her to issue a public apology. The groups also praised TikTok for removing one of the videos in question. “There should be zero tolerance for Jew-hatred, especially from public figures with such broad reach,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt.

Kattan, who has a social media following of over 50 million, helped shape the influencer-led beauty industry. Her brand, Huda Beauty, launched in 2013 and gained global attention after its false lashes were picked up by Sephora in Dubai in 2011 and in the United States in 2015. Today, Huda Beauty is sold through major retailers including Sephora, Harrods, and Cult Beauty.

The controversy has sparked calls for Sephora to sever ties with Huda Beauty. A Change.org petition calling for the company to stop carrying the brand has garnered thousands of signatures. Supporters argue that continuing to sell the products signals that antisemitism is tolerated in the beauty industry.

In 2022, Huda Beauty agreed to pay nearly $2 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging mislabeling of ingredients in one of its eyeshadow palettes. The company denied any wrongdoing. Coverage of the settlement has resurfaced as Kattan faces renewed scrutiny.

Retailers are increasingly under pressure to align with the values of their customers and take accountability for the brands they promote. In their statement, JLens urged corporate partners to act. “Investors and companies must hold influencers accountable when they spread hate,” the group said. As of publication, Sephora has not responded to Wingate News’ request for comment.