What is Boycott Huda Beauty trend, why are Iranian protestors throwing brand’s makeup products in dustbin and why has the internet exploded with Mona Kattan’s latest move?
Kattan was born in Oklahoma to Iraqi immigrant parents. He has been vocal on human rights issues in the past, particularly regarding the war in Gaza. In one of his posts, a month after the Hamas-led massacres in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, he wrote: “I am of Iraqi origin. We are all Palestinian.”
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Why are Iranian protesters boycotting Huda Beauty products?
Huda Kattan shared a video about protests in Iran that allegedly shows regime supporters burning images of crown prince Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the late Shah, who is trying to position himself as a potential leader amid weeks of deadly demonstrations. The post sparked an online backlash from critics who accused Huda Kattan of disseminating regime propaganda. Many people, especially Iranians and activists, felt that the video reflected the government’s side of the story and did not reflect what the protesters were actually facing.
Influencers ripped apart Huda Beauty products, criticized Sephora for stocking the brand, and distributed satirical flyers urging shoppers not only to boycott the products but also to unfollow the beauty mogul. Calls to boycott Huda Beauty have been gaining momentum on social media platforms in the last few days.
According to The National, Huda Kattan, whose company is estimated to be worth more than $1 billion by Forbes, said: “I’m seeing a lot of people on the internet right now saying I’m pro-regime. I’m not pro-regime, transparently. But at the same time, I don’t know enough about the regime. I’ve heard a lot of mixed things, and I don’t think I have the right to have an opinion about what’s going on in Iran.” Kattan said that the allegations that he was “pro-regime” were deeply regrettable.
“People outside are angry with me because they think I support the Iranian regime or support anything that harms the Iranian people,” he said. “This is so crazy. I can’t believe anyone would think I would support this.”
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“I know a lot of people around the world are very, very sad,” he said. “A lot of Iranians who left Iran are very sad about what’s going on in Iran, and I really feel sorry for a lot of people. I also feel sorry for a lot of people in Iran who are going through things I can’t even imagine.”
He said he did not believe he was knowledgeable enough to take a public stance on Iran’s domestic politics. “Frankly, I am not pro-regime,” Kattan said. “But I also don’t know enough about the regime. I’ve heard a lot of mixed things, and I don’t think I have the right to have an opinion about what’s going on in Iran.”
“This is just my opinion. I don’t believe I have the right to have an opinion and voice my opinion about what’s going on in a country.”
Mona Kattan unfollowed Huda Kattan and the internet exploded
Amidst ongoing calls for boycott of Huda products, a move by Huda Kattan’s sister Mona Kattan has raised eyebrows on the internet. Mona Kattan, Huda’s sister and longtime partner of the brand, quietly unfollowed and distanced herself from him. The internet exploded with this move, which was said to signal support for Iranian protesters. Mona has not posted anything or shared any clarification notes against her sister.
Social media posts emerge
Amid mass protests in Iran due to the collapse of the currency and economic concerns, Huda Kattan’s post created turmoil among Iranian protesters. One person shared a photo of Huda Beauty products thrown into the trash. The caption read, “Where it belongs. Boycott. And tbh, I almost never used it because the smell was nauseating. Huda Beauty supports terrorists.”
A third shared an AI-generated image of Huda Beauty products covered in blood. The headline reads, “People are boycotting this brand because it supports a terrorist regime that has killed thousands of people.”
A user on X shared an AI-generated banner featuring Huda Kattan applying Huda Beauty products covered in blood to her face. “Stop spreading lies and propaganda,” the text read.
A fifth shared a warning for Sephora. The headline read, “Why are you still selling a brand whose owner spreads misinformation and openly supports violence against an entire country?” it said. In the post, the brand was asked to remove Huda Beauty products from its shelves. “Silence is the choice.”
What’s going on in Iran?
Since late December 2025, protests have broken out across Iran over the deepening economic crisis, triggered in part by the sharp decline in the value of the Iranian rial. Thousands of people took to the streets to express their anger over years of alleged corruption, mismanagement and the impact of international sanctions that have fueled inflation and eroded living standards.
Amid the turmoil, the United States warned Iran not to advance its nuclear program. While Iranian officials argue that the program is for civilian energy and medical use, the United States and its allies say they are concerned that the program could be directed towards weapons development.
US President Donald Trump supported the protesters, a stance welcomed by some demonstrators. Given Israel’s longstanding opposition to Iranian leadership, some protesters, particularly among younger groups, have described Israel as a “natural ally.”
