Huda Beauty’s creator has delayed the launch of her Huda Hotline podcast.
The podcast was slated to release on 2 October, but founder Huda Kattan said it would be inappropriate to go through with the launch in light of current global crises.
“Over the past couple of days, we have seen so many atrocities around the world,” Kattan said in a post on Instagram.
“My heart goes out to everyone who is experiencing pain and suffering during these times.
“Continuing with our original launch date for Huda Hotline feels unimportant in times like these, which is why despite the press and announcement released earlier last week, I have decided to push back the launch of my podcast.”
Kattan did not refer to specific events, but her message follows an escalation in the Middle East humanitarian crisis.
On 29 September, Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and on 1 October launched an invasion into southern Lebanon.
“As always, I will continue to use my personal platforms to be a voice for the unheard and raise awareness,” Kattan added.
It is not the first time that the entrepreneur has been prepared to “risk her business” by remaining vocal on the humanitarian crises happening across the globe.
In December 2023, Kattan posted an Instagram video in response to multiple threats from sources trying to get her “to be silent” on her pro-Palestine stance.
The brand owner stressed at the time that she would “not be intimidated” and had done “nothing wrong” by speaking about Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip.
“I am speaking on behalf of humanity, and I will not be intimidated,” she said in the video.
"I am willing to risk my entire business, everything that I have on that, in search of the truth and justice.”
Kattan has been a long-time supporter of Palestine before the Hamas-Israel war, having previously condemned the evictions of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, in 2021.
Huda Beauty announced the Huda Hotline podcast on 29 September
The delay to the podcast also comes after an increased marketing push over the past week, with multiple teaser posts made on the Huda Hotline Instagram account.
The structure of the podcast revolves around questions being sent in for the brand founder to answer.
Kattan will also be inviting special guests with a focus on discussions about business, personal growth, love and life.
The press was made aware of the podcast in April 2024, with two subsequent delays being made before an official announcement on 29 September.
“The podcast is designed to be a safe space where Huda can have open, honest conversations and connect with her community on a deeper level,” Huda Beauty said in a statement.
“Available in video format on YouTube Shorts, Instagram, and TikTok, Huda Hotline will allow Huda to engage with her loyal followers on an even larger scale.”
Kattan launched her beauty blog and YouTube channel, both called Huda Beauty, in 2010.
She would go on to release her debut cosmetics line under the same name in 2013, with her beauty empire now being worth over $1.2bn.
Cosmetics Business has contacted Huda Beauty for a comment.
Read more:
- Huda Beauty reportedly explores Kayali fragrance brand sale
- Huda Beauty has a new look with redesigned logo and packaging
- Huda Kattan announces Huda Beauty rebrand: "I'm finally taking back my power as CEO"
- Huda Kattan prepared to ‘risk entire business’ on pro-Palestine stance
