Huda Beauty ends partnership with ‘Love Island USA’ star Huda Mustafa after racism controversy

Huda Beauty dropped Huda Mustafa after a livestream showed her reacting to a racial slur aimed at a co-star

Popular cosmetics brand Huda Beauty has officially ended its partnership with Love Island USA Season 7 contestant Huda Mustafa following backlash over a viral livestream that involved a racial slur.

In a statement shared on Instagram on October 31, the brand said one of its recent collaborators had “displayed behavior that does not align with our values.” Without naming Mustafa directly, the post confirmed that all content featuring her would be removed from the company’s social media and in-store promotions.

“We are truly disappointed by Huda Mustafa’s recent live and we take all forms of racism very seriously,” the statement read. “While we don’t believe her actions reflect her character, we found them deeply upsetting. We know that many members of our community and team were hurt and offended by these actions.”

 

 

 

 

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The controversy erupted after footage from a livestream hosted by Mustafa and her partner, Too Hot To Handle star Louis Russell, circulated online.

During the session, an unidentified caller used a racial slur aimed at Love Island co-star Olandria Carthen. The pair appeared momentarily shocked before laughing and ending the call, a reaction that quickly drew widespread criticism on social media.

Following the incident, Carthen addressed the clip in her own Instagram story, calling the language “unacceptable” and emphasizing that racism “in any form” cannot be excused.

“Words like that carry generations of pain,” Carthen wrote. “Defending it, laughing about it, or making excuses is even worse. I will not let this moment derail my purpose of uplifting my community.”

Carthen also announced personal donations to organizations such as the NAACP, UNCF, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, urging fans to do the same.

After initially downplaying the incident, Mustafa later issued a public apology on October 30, acknowledging that her first response had been inadequate.

“My reaction in that moment came from being caught off guard, not from finding the word or situation funny,” she wrote. “It was a nervous, uncomfortable reaction that I recognize was inappropriate.”

She added that she would make her own donation to the NAACP and encouraged reflection and accountability.

Huda Beauty concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and accountability, saying it hopes the situation “leads to meaningful change.”