A controversy erupted after “Love Island USA” star Huda Mustafa appeared to laugh at a racial slur aimed at co-star Olandria Carthen during a livestream. Following public outrage, Huda Beauty swiftly terminated its partnership with Mustafa, sparking discussions about accountability, representation, and influencer culture.
Huda Beauty Cuts Ties With “Love Island USA” Star Huda Mustafa
The beauty world was shaken when Huda Beauty officially announced the termination of its collaboration with “Love Island USA” contestant Huda Mustafa. The decision came after a livestream incident in which Mustafa appeared to laugh when a caller used a racial slur against fellow islander Olandria Carthen.
This event quickly gained traction online, with fans and viewers expressing outrage over Mustafa’s reaction. The viral clip prompted a flood of criticism, urging both the reality star and brands associated with her to take accountability.
In response, Huda Beauty issued a firm statement denouncing the incident, stating that it does not align with their company’s values of inclusivity and respect.
What Happened During the Livestream
Huda Mustafa, along with her boyfriend Louis Russell, hosted a casual Instagram livestream in late October 2025. During the live session, a caller joined the conversation and used a racial slur directed at fellow “Love Island USA” contestant Olandria Carthen.
Instead of immediately condemning the remark, Mustafa and Russell were seen laughing awkwardly before abruptly ending the call. This moment, captured and shared widely online, led to widespread disappointment and accusations that Mustafa failed to address racism appropriately.
The reaction was immediate and intense — thousands of fans demanded an apology, while others called for brands to cut ties with her.
Huda Mustafa Issues a Public Apology
After several days of backlash, Huda Mustafa released a public apology across her social media accounts. She admitted that her reaction was wrong and expressed remorse for not addressing the racist comment in the moment.
“I want to sincerely apologize to Olandria and to everyone who was hurt by my response. My reaction was inappropriate, and I take full responsibility for it,” Mustafa said in her statement.
She also pledged to educate herself more deeply on issues of racial sensitivity and announced that she would be donating to the NAACP as a step toward making amends.
Despite her apology, many followers felt it came too late and lacked sincerity, while others appreciated her acknowledgment and willingness to take responsibility.
Olandria Carthen Speaks Out
Olandria Carthen, the target of the racial slur, addressed the incident through her Instagram Stories. She condemned the use of the word and called for greater accountability in online spaces.
“That word carries generations of pain and trauma. It should never be used — not as a joke, not in anger, not ever,” she wrote.
Carthen also emphasized that laughing at or ignoring racist remarks perpetuates harmful behavior and undermines the progress toward racial equality. Her statement received overwhelming support from fans, fellow reality TV personalities, and activists.
Huda Beauty’s Response: Zero Tolerance for Racism
Huda Beauty, the globally recognized cosmetics brand founded by Huda Kattan, acted swiftly following the viral incident. On October 31, 2025, the company released an official statement announcing the immediate end of its collaboration with Huda Mustafa.
The statement read:
“We have decided to end our partnership with Huda Mustafa effective immediately. Her recent behavior does not reflect our brand’s values of inclusivity, equality, and respect for all communities.”
The brand also stated it would remove all content related to Mustafa from its website, social media platforms, and marketing campaigns.
Huda Beauty’s decisive response was praised across the internet, positioning the company as a leader in maintaining ethical brand standards and showing zero tolerance for racism.
The Backlash and Social Media Reaction
The online community erupted with opinions after the incident. Hashtags like #BoycottHudaMustafa and #SupportOlandria trended on X (formerly Twitter) for several days.
Many users commended Huda Beauty for its swift action, while others discussed how influencers often underestimate the power and reach of their platforms.
Meanwhile, some of Mustafa’s supporters argued that her laughter may have been nervous or unintentional, and that she deserved a chance to learn and grow from the experience.
Still, the general sentiment leaned heavily toward disappointment — particularly among fans who had admired her for representing diversity and resilience as a Palestinian-American single mother on reality television.
The Bigger Picture: Accountability in Influencer Culture
This controversy has reignited conversations about the responsibility influencers carry when representing brands and audiences.
In the era of social media transparency, public figures are expected to act with integrity both on and off-screen. A single livestream moment can shape — or shatter — a reputation built over years.
For brands like Huda Beauty, aligning with personalities who share their values is no longer optional but essential. The beauty industry has been striving to promote inclusivity, and incidents like this risk undoing progress if left unaddressed.
What This Means for Huda Mustafa’s Career
The future looks uncertain for Huda Mustafa. Losing a major partnership like Huda Beauty is a significant setback, especially as she was establishing herself as a rising figure in fashion and lifestyle influencing.
However, public image rehabilitation is possible. Celebrities who have faced similar controversies in the past have recovered by demonstrating consistent accountability, transparency, and genuine change.
If Mustafa follows through on her promises and takes tangible steps toward understanding racial issues, she could regain some credibility over time.
Lessons from the Controversy
- Influence comes with responsibility: Public figures must be mindful of their words, actions, and even reactions in every public setting.
- Brands are watching: Companies now respond faster than ever to protect their image and show alignment with social values.
- Apologies must be sincere and timely: Delay or defensiveness can worsen the backlash.
- Education is key: Genuine learning and unlearning of racial biases are vital to preventing similar incidents in the future.
Final Thoughts
The fallout from Huda Mustafa’s livestream controversy serves as a cautionary tale for influencers and brands alike. In an interconnected digital age, every action — intentional or not — is magnified.
Huda Beauty’s response has been applauded for reinforcing the message that racism, in any form, is unacceptable. Meanwhile, Mustafa’s journey toward redemption will depend on how she rebuilds trust with fans and demonstrates personal growth.
Ultimately, this incident underscores the importance of empathy, awareness, and accountability in both the beauty and entertainment industries.
Also Read : Slow Horses Season 6 – Release Date, Cast, Plot, and Everything You Need to Know
FAQs
Q1: Who is Huda Mustafa?
Huda Mustafa is a Palestinian-American fitness influencer and reality TV contestant known for appearing on “Love Island USA” Season 7.
Q2: What happened during her livestream?
During a live session on Instagram, a caller used a racial slur directed at Olandria Carthen. Mustafa and her boyfriend appeared to laugh before ending the call, sparking outrage online.
Q3: How did Huda Beauty respond to the incident?
Huda Beauty announced the immediate termination of its partnership with Mustafa, citing that her behavior did not align with the brand’s values of inclusivity and respect.
Q4: What did Olandria Carthen say about the situation?
Olandria condemned the use of the racial slur and urged people to understand that such language carries deep historical trauma and is never acceptable.
Q5: Has Huda Mustafa apologized?
Yes, Mustafa issued a public apology acknowledging her mistake and promised to learn from the incident. She also pledged a donation to the NAACP.
Q6: What lessons can influencers learn from this?
The incident highlights the need for public figures to act responsibly, educate themselves on sensitive issues, and understand the influence they hold over audiences worldwide.
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