Why Boots Still Partners with Huda Beauty Even After Founder’s Antisemitic Rant

In July 2025, Huda Kattan, founder of the global cosmetics brand Huda Beauty, sparked widespread controversy by posting a TikTok video in which she promoted several antisemitic conspiracy theories. In the video, Kattan claimed that Israel was responsible for orchestrating major global events, including World War I, World War II, the September 11 attacks, and the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel.

TikTok quickly removed the video for violating hate speech and misinformation rules. Despite the backlash, British pharmacy chain Boots has continued to stock Huda Beauty products and maintain its partnership with the brand – but why?

Who Is Huda Kattan?

Huda Kattan is an Iraqi-American makeup artist, beauty blogger, and entrepreneur. Born in 1983 in Oklahoma, USA, to Iraqi parents, she moved to Dubai in 2008 and began her career in makeup artistry. Kattan founded Huda Beauty in 2013 to create high-quality cosmetics that catered to a diverse range of skin tones. The brand quickly gained a following thanks to Kattan’s expertise and her effective use of social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, which enabled her to engage directly with her audience.

Kattan is widely recognised for building one of the most influential beauty brands in the world. By 2025, Huda Beauty had become a major player in the cosmetics industry, selling products in over 60 countries and collaborating with other international beauty brands. Kattan’s personal Instagram account boasts over 50 million followers, providing her with a platform that combines beauty advice, lifestyle content, and entrepreneurial tips.

Awards and accolades have also marked her career. In 2017, Forbes listed Kattan as one of the Top Three Beauty Influencers globally. She has also been featured on the cover of several international fashion magazines and has been invited to speak at industry conferences.

The Controversial TikTok Video

In July 2025, Kattan posted a video to her TikTok account, which has over 11 million followers. In the video, she claimed that Israel orchestrated historical and modern tragedies, including both World Wars, the September 11 attacks, and the 2023 Hamas-Israel war.

The video was met with immediate criticism from Jewish organizations, human rights groups, and social media users worldwide. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) condemned the statements, calling them antisemitic, factually false, and potentially harmful. Sephora, a major retailer of Huda Beauty products, responded by removing the brand from its autumn “Experts” campaign.

Boots’ Decision to Continue Partnership

Boots, however, has chosen to continue its relationship with Huda Beauty, keeping the brand on its shelves and online stores. The decision has sparked debate about the ethics of business partnerships, particularly when the brand’s founder has made inflammatory statements. It also raises questions about how companies weigh profit against public backlash and social responsibility.

Other Antisemitic Incidents in the UK in 2025

Huda Kattan’s remarks come during a year in which the UK has experienced a rise in antisemitic incidents. On October 2, 2025, the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester was attacked during Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. The attacker, Jihad al-Shamie, drove into pedestrians and then attempted to enter the synagogue with a knife. Two worshippers, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, were killed, and police accidentally shot Daulby during the incident. The attacker was shot dead by armed officers.

This attack shocked the UK and led to heightened security at synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centres. Police reported that more than 1,500 antisemitic incidents were recorded in the first half of 2025 alone, making it one of the highest years on record. Community leaders called for stronger measures to combat antisemitism, and politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, condemned the attack.

Earlier in 2025, antisemitic graffiti and threats were reported across multiple UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham. In some cases, Jewish schools and cultural centres were targeted with hate messages, prompting increased police patrols and community safety initiatives. Experts note that the rise in antisemitism in the UK coincides with global tensions in the Middle East and increased online hate speech, highlighting the dangerous impact of conspiracy theories and extremist narratives.

Huda Kattan’s Influence and Public Responsibility

Huda Kattan is more than a beauty entrepreneur; she is a global influencer. With millions of followers on social media, her statements can reach and influence audiences worldwide. This amplifies the significance of her antisemitic remarks, as misinformation and hateful narratives can spread rapidly online. In the past, Kattan has utilized her platform to promote charitable initiatives, including raising funds for children’s hospitals and women’s empowerment projects. Still, the 2025 TikTok video has overshadowed much of her positive influence.

Critics argue that high-profile influencers like Kattan must be held accountable for the content they post. Jewish advocacy groups have urged her to issue a public apology and to engage in educational efforts to address antisemitism. While she has removed the video, Kattan has not yet made a public statement to clarify or retract her claims.

The continued stocking of Huda Beauty products by Boots raises questions about the responsibilities of retailers in addressing hate speech and misinformation, as antisemitic incidents in the UK rise. Brands and retailers may face increasing pressure from the public to make ethical decisions that prioritise community safety and social responsibility.