Huda Beauty Cuts Ties with ‘Love Island USA’ Star Huda Mustafa After Racism Scandal; What Did She Pledge After the Slur Incident?

Huda Beauty has officially ended its partnership with “Love Island USA” contestant Huda Mustafa following a viral racism scandal. The beauty brand made the announcement on October 31, stating that Mustafa’s recent behavior “does not align” with its core values of inclusivity and respect.

The controversy began after a livestream involving Mustafa and her boyfriend, Netflix reality star Louis Russell, went viral. During the stream, an unknown caller used a racial slur targeting fellow “Love Island” cast member Olandria Carthen — a moment that has since sparked outrage online.

Huda Beauty’s Decision to End Partnership with Huda Mustafa

In its official Instagram statement, Huda Beauty expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasizing its commitment to taking racism seriously. The company stated, “We are truly disappointed by Huda Mustafa’s recent live, and we take all forms of racism very seriously. While we don’t believe her actions reflect her character, we found them deeply upsetting.”

As a result, the cosmetics company confirmed that it would be removing all campaign material featuring Mustafa from social media platforms and in-store displays. “Accountability is incredibly important in moments like this,” the company added, “and we hope that meaningful change can come from it.”

The move follows mounting pressure from fans and influencers calling on Huda Beauty — founded by makeup mogul Huda Kattan — to take a stand amid growing social media backlash. The brand, known for its strong advocacy of diversity and empowerment, made it clear that inclusivity remains central to its mission.

Olandria Carthen’s Response and Call for Accountability

In the aftermath, Olandria Carthen addressed the situation through an emotional Instagram story on October 29, describing the slur as “unacceptable.” She wrote, “Words like that carry generations of pain, and pretending otherwise only keeps the cycle going.”

Carthen also announced plans to make personal donations to several organizations that support and uplift the Black community, including the UNCF, NAACP, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. She urged her followers to do the same and called for “real accountability and awareness.”

This is not the first time Carthen and Mustafa have clashed. During the Season 7 reunion of “Love Island USA,” Carthen previously criticized Mustafa for not speaking out against racist attacks made by her fans toward Black castmates after filming concluded.

Huda Mustafa’s Apology and Pledge to Donate

After initially downplaying the outrage, Huda Mustafa posted a longer public apology, admitting that her first statement “failed to take full accountability.” She wrote, “My reaction in that moment came from being caught off guard, not from finding the word or situation funny. It was a nervous, uncomfortable reaction that I recognize was inappropriate.”

Mustafa added that she does not condone racism “in any form” and pledged to make a personal donation to the NAACP, mirroring Carthen’s initiative. She urged others to join her in supporting organizations that promote racial equality and education.

The reality TV star’s apology came as fans and fellow islanders continued to express disappointment online, questioning whether the influencer’s statements were enough to repair the harm caused.

Public Reaction and Broader Impact

The scandal has reignited conversations about influencer accountability and brand responsibility in the beauty industry. Many users on social media praised Huda Beauty’s swift response, while others called for continued efforts to ensure that collaborations reflect diversity and cultural sensitivity.

Industry experts note that the incident could mark a turning point for influencer partnerships, with brands facing increased scrutiny over whom they choose to represent their image. As of now, Huda Mustafa’s future in brand collaborations remains uncertain.

Huda Beauty’s decision underscores a broader shift in the beauty and entertainment industries toward zero tolerance for racism, signaling that social responsibility is now a non-negotiable expectation from both brands and public figures.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did Huda Beauty cut ties with Huda Mustafa?

The brand ended its partnership after a viral livestream in which a racial slur was used toward another reality star, prompting backlash and concern from fans.

Q2: What donation did Huda Mustafa pledge after the incident?

Huda Mustafa pledged to donate to the NAACP and encouraged others to contribute to similar organizations promoting racial equality.

Q3: How did Olandria Carthen respond to the slur incident?

Carthen condemned the language, called for accountability, and announced personal donations to Black community organizations like UNCF and the NAACP.

Q4: What has been the public reaction to Huda Beauty’s decision?

Most fans praised the company for taking quick action, while some criticized Mustafa’s response as insufficient or insincere.

Q5: Could Huda Mustafa’s career recover after this scandal?

It’s uncertain. While some followers accepted her apology, many brands may remain hesitant to collaborate with her in the near future.