TikTok Removes Beauty Founder Huda Kattan’s Video on Anti-Israel Conspiracy Theories

Huda Kattan’s TikTok Video on Anti-Israel Conspiracy Theories Sparks Controversy

In a recent turn of events, Huda Kattan, the founder of Huda Beauty, faced backlash over a TikTok video she posted containing anti-Israel conspiracy theories. The video has since been removed from the platform after garnering attention. Despite requests for comment, neither Kattan nor Huda Beauty have responded to the situation.

The controversial video reportedly contained false claims, suggesting that Israel was responsible for World War I, World War II, the 9/11 attacks, as well as an alleged attack by Hamas on Israel in 2023. It is important to note that both World War I and World War II occurred before the State of Israel was established in 1948. Additionally, there is no credible evidence linking Israel to the 9/11 attacks or the mentioned event in 2023.

In the video, Kattan is quoted as saying, “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?” These unfounded accusations have sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns regarding the dissemination of misinformation.

TikTok, the social media platform where the video was shared, took swift action in removing Kattan’s content for violating its community guidelines. The platform emphasized the importance of adhering to factual information and avoiding content that could potentially cause harm or spread misinformation, regardless of intent.

Notably, the Anti-Defamation League condemned Kattan’s remarks, describing them as “irresponsible and dangerous.” The organisation highlighted the perpetuation of age-old antisemitic tropes and underscored the significance of using influential platforms responsibly to avoid spreading baseless conspiracy theories.

Huda Kattan, known for her entrepreneurial success with Huda Beauty, has built a billion-dollar empire in the beauty industry alongside her sisters. Following the public outcry over the video, consumers have expressed their concerns on social media platforms, urging retailers like Sephora to reconsider their partnership with Huda Beauty.

Amidst the controversy, calls have emerged for Sephora, the primary mass retailer of Huda Beauty products, to take a stand and potentially discontinue their collaboration with the brand. The public’s response underscores the growing demand for accountability and ethical considerations in brand partnerships within the beauty industry.

As the situation evolves, stakeholders await further developments and potential responses from all involved parties. Huda Kattan, Huda Beauty, Sephora, and TikTok have been notably silent in response to the backlash and have not addressed the concerns raised by consumers and advocacy groups.

The incident serves as a reminder of the impact of misinformation in the digital age and the responsibility that public figures and brands hold in ensuring the dissemination of accurate and respectful information. Moving forward, it is crucial for individuals and organisations to uphold ethical standards and promote unity and understanding in the online sphere.