(NewsNation) — Sephora is “actively reviewing” comments made by the founder of the successful Huda Beauty where she shared what some are calling an antisemitic theory about Israel.
In a video posted to her 11 million followers on TikTok, beauty influencer Huda Kattan shared a post spreading a theory that Israel was responsible for the two World Wars, 9/11 and Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on the country, according to CNN.
“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?” Kattan said before TikTok removed the video.
World War I and World War II occurred before Israel was founded. There is no evidence that Israel was behind the Sept. 11 terror attack and the Oct. 7 attacks.
“Sephora is driven by its mission to create a welcoming and inclusive shopping experience for all. 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,” a Sephora spokesperson told CNN in a statement. “We take this matter very seriously and can confirm we are actively reviewing this issue internally, including working with the brand.”
Calls for boycott grow
According to CNN, Jewish groups have called for Sephora and other retailers that carry Huda Beauty to cut ties with the brand.
“Huda Kattan built a brand around beauty — but these antisemitic conspiracy theories are nothing short of ugly hate,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League. “Spreading vile myths about Jews to millions of followers isn’t just reckless—it’s dangerous.”
Huda Beauty’s success
Kattan built a successful business that sells more than 100 beauty products and brings in around $200 million in sales a year, according to Forbes.
In 2017, private equity company TSG Consumer Partners acquired a small minority stake in Huda Beauty in a deal valuing the company at $1.2 billion.
