Beauty brand Huda Beauty has officially ended its collaboration with reality TV personality Huda Mustafa after a recent livestream sparked outrage over her reaction to a racial slur. The decision comes following widespread backlash online and a public apology from Mustafa herself.
The Incident
The controversy began earlier this week during an Instagram Live session featuring Huda Mustafa and her boyfriend Louis Russell, known from Netflix’s Perfect Match. While chatting with fans, a caller used a racial slur directed at Olandria Carthen, Mustafa’s Love Island USA Season 7 co-star, who is Black.
In the viral clip obtained by TMZ, Mustafa and Russell appeared visibly surprised, briefly laughed, and then quickly ended the call. Although the moment lasted only seconds, it drew immediate criticism across social media, with many accusing the pair of failing to condemn the slur and treating it lightly.
Huda Mustafa’s Apology
In response to the growing backlash, the 25-year-old influencer took to Instagram to issue an apology, explaining that neither she nor Russell immediately understood the offensive term that was used.
“I don’t condone anything of that nature,” Mustafa wrote on her Stories before posting a longer statement. “It’s disheartening that anyone would think such language is acceptable. My initial reaction came from being caught off guard, not amusement. I recognize it was an inappropriate response, and I’m deeply sorry to Olandria.”
She added that she does not tolerate racism in any form and encouraged the caller responsible to “reflect on the harm their words have caused.”
Olandria Carthen Speaks Out
Carthen later addressed the incident in her own Instagram Story, calling the slur “unacceptable” and highlighting its historical weight.
“Words like that carry generations of pain,” she wrote. “Laughing it off or defending it only keeps the cycle alive. I refuse to let this moment distract me from my purpose — to uplift and empower my community.”
Huda Beauty’s Decision
Following the uproar, Huda Beauty issued a statement on Friday confirming it has ended all partnerships with Mustafa.
“We are disappointed by Huda Mustafa’s recent livestream and take all forms of racism very seriously,” the brand said on Instagram. “While we don’t believe her reaction represents her true character, it was deeply upsetting to many members of our community.”
The beauty brand confirmed it has removed all content related to Mustafa from its website, social media channels, and in-store promotions.
“Accountability matters,” the statement continued. “We hope this situation serves as an opportunity for growth, reflection, and meaningful change.”