TikTok Removes Huda Kattan’s Anti-Israel Video for Misinformation, Sparks Calls for Boycotts and Retailer Action

TikTok has taken down a controversial video posted by influencer Huda Kattan, the founder and face of billion-dollar beauty brand Huda Beauty. The video, which was shared with over 11 million followers on the platform, contained inflammatory claims about Israel’s alleged involvement in major historical events such as World War I, World War II, the September 11 terrorist attacks, and Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023.

In the now-removed TikTok video, Kattan made unfounded accusations against Israel, suggesting that they had orchestrated these events. “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,” she said in the video.

TikTok confirmed to media outlets that Kattan’s video was removed for violating its community guidelines, which state that the platform does not allow misinformation that may cause significant harm to individuals or society, regardless of intent.

Kattan’s agency and a representative listed as her manager in public databases did not respond to requests for comment from media outlets. However, the manager confirmed they no longer represent Kattan.

The influencer’s video has sparked calls for retailers such as Sephora to sever ties with Huda Beauty, which was valued at $1.2 billion in 2017 and generates approximately $200 million in annual sales, according to Forbes. As of yet, a representative for Sephora has not responded to requests for comment.

This is not the first time Kattan has faced criticism due to her public comments following October 7, 2023. The beauty influencer, who has over 57 million followers on Instagram, has been a vocal critic of Israel and a staunch supporter of Palestinians in Gaza.

Previously, an Israeli Instagram user threatened to boycott Kattan’s products, to which she responded, “I don’t want blood money.” This led to the launch of a Change.org petition calling on Sephora to remove Huda Beauty products from its stores, which received over 30,000 signatures.

Kattan’s latest TikTok video has drawn condemnation from Jewish groups. “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.”

The American Jewish Committee posted Kattan’s removed TikTok video on social media, stating that she was using her platform to promote hate-fueled conspiracy theories, accusing Jews of various crimes such as harvesting the organs of Palestinians, causing 9/11, and running global pedophile rings.

“Retailers have a choice,” said Ari Hoffnung, managing director of the Jewish nonprofit JLens. “They can continue to platform a brand whose founder promotes hate-fueled conspiracy theories, or they can take a stand against antisemitism.”

Forbes included Kattan on their 2023 list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women and on their list of Most Powerful Women in Business in 2024.