Danielle Arfin
One week after Wingate News reported on Sephora’s continued platforming of beauty mogul Huda Kattan following a pattern of antisemitic content shared on her social media accounts, the company has finally responded.
In a statement to journalist Elizabeth Wagmeister, Sephora stated, “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. We take this matter very seriously and can confirm we are actively reviewing this issue internally, including working with the brand.”
This statement came just days after TikTok removed a video Kattan posted in which she promoted conspiracy theories that falsely blamed Israel for multiple historic tragedies, including the two World Wars, the 9/11 attacks, and the October 7 Hamas massacre CNN. The video, which quickly spread before being taken down for violating TikTok’s community guidelines, was widely condemned by Jewish organizations, advocacy groups, and commentators.
Among those responding was Yad Vashem, which described the video’s rhetoric as “eerily reminiscent of Nazi propaganda.” The Anti-Defamation League, StopAntisemitism, and others have since called on Sephora to sever ties with Kattan’s brand, Huda Beauty VIN News.
As detailed in our original report, Kattan has previously used her platform of over 50 million followers to amplify content accusing Israel of genocide, justifying violence, and promoting anti-Israel narratives that many critics have described as antisemitic. Despite growing calls for accountability, Sephora had remained silent until last week.
Sephora’s statement signals that internal discussions are now underway. However, critics have expressed concern that the response lacks specifics about whether any meaningful action will be taken. To date, Kattan has not issued a public apology or retraction, and her brand remains available through Sephora’s retail channels.
The situation has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over how brands and influencers are held accountable for promoting hate and misinformation online. For Sephora, a company that markets itself as a champion of diversity and inclusion, the decision it makes now could define its credibility among Jewish consumers and beyond.
With rising antisemitism worldwide and growing awareness of the role public figures play in fueling it, the expectation is clear. Words are no longer enough. Consumers are watching what comes next.
