‘I don’t want blood money’: Huda Kattan slams pro-Israel troll

WEB DESK: Huda Kattan, the prominent Iraqi-American makeup guru and CEO of Huda Beauty, is facing a divisive response from her fanbase after expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause amidst the ongoing Israeli military action in Gaza and the West Bank.

While outlining the humanitarian crisis in the occupied territories through her social media posts, Kattan has found herself at the centre of controversy, with some critics calling for a boycott of Huda Beauty products.

The confrontation unfolded in the comments section of a heartfelt post marking her 40th birthday, where fans’ birthday wishes were overshadowed by the geopolitical debate.

During the exchange, one Instagram user voiced disapproval, stating, “With most of their money, you chose Gaza. So remember this as soon as no Israeli buys from you again, anywhere in the world.” The user expressed concern over the potential impact on the company’s shares, emphasising the fallout from supporting what they perceived as a conflict zone.

In response to the criticism and calls for a boycott, Kattan remained steadfast. “I don’t want blood money,” the beauty mogul replied, reflecting her consistent stance against the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.

HUDA IS EATING THE ZIONISTS UPPPPPPPPPP pic.twitter.com/R7wGDOqcMx

— serious (@lifewithbush) October 15, 2023

This isn’t the first time Huda Beauty has addressed the Palestinian cause; in May 2021, amid escalations in Al-Aqsa compound, the brand published a blog entry titled, “5 Ways You Can Support Palestine Right Now.”

Amidst an intensifying atmosphere of censorship and controversy surrounding public figures’ statements on the Israel-Palestine conflict, Kattan’s unwavering position showcases a broader trend.

Notably, celebrities and public figures worldwide, including Pakistan, have been taking a strong stance to raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people and condemn the atrocities inflicted upon them.

Against the backdrop of a brutal air campaign in Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow to annihilate Hamas, Kattan’s public stance is part of a larger discourse where individuals use their platforms to address geopolitical issues, even at the risk of facing backlash from certain segments of their audience.