Love Island USA star Huda Mustafa faced major backlash for her reaction on a livestream. During an Instagram Live with boyfriend Louis Russell on Oct. 28, 2025, a caller used a racial slur toward castmate Olandria Carthen. Mustafa laughed at the moment before realizing what was said. The incident sparked widespread outrage online within hours.
Pluto TV’s Hidden Movie Section Rivals Premium Services
Korean Netflix Has 200+ Shows US Version Doesn’t Stream
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Huda Beauty ended Mustafa’s partnership on Oct. 31
- The livestream incident involved a racial slur directed at Olandria Carthen
- Mustafa initially downplayed the incident before issuing a formal apology
- Reports suggest she lost over $1 million in brand deals
- Both Mustafa and Carthen pledged donations to the NAACP
What Happened on the Livestream
Huda Mustafa and her boyfriend Louis Russell were taking calls during an Instagram Live on Oct. 28. An unknown caller dialed in and used a racial slur specifically targeting Olandria Carthen, who appeared alongside Mustafa on Love Island USA Season 7. Video footage showed both Mustafa and Russell appearing surprised. They initially laughed before Russell said, “Whoa, hey, hey,” and the call ended.
Netflix reveals economics behind 3-season cancellations as viewership metrics drop
YouTube Premium Originals Nobody Talks About Are Award-Winning
The clip went viral almost immediately across social media platforms on Oct. 29. Fans reposted the video thousands of times, and it quickly trended on major platforms. Olandria Carthen responded publicly on her Instagram Stories that same day, stating that the language was completely unacceptable.
“Words like that carry generations of pain, and pretending otherwise only keeps the cycle going. Defending it, laughing about it, or making excuses is even worse.”
Carthen called for real accountability and encouraged donations to organizations supporting Black communities. She mentioned the NAACP, UNCF, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund as worthy recipients.
Huda Beauty Cuts Ties with Mustafa
Huda Beauty announced on Oct. 31 that it was ending its partnership with Mustafa. The brand had launched their “Double the Huda” campaign featuring Mustafa’s Easy Bake Loose Powder just weeks earlier. The timing made the split especially dramatic.
In a lengthy Instagram statement, Huda Beauty wrote that they found Mustafa’s actions “deeply upsetting.” The brand emphasized the “lack of seriousness” around the issue. Company officials noted that community members and employees were hurt and offended by Mustafa’s reaction during the livestream.
| Timeline of Events | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Oct. 28 | Livestream incident with racial slur |
| Oct. 29 morning | Video clips go viral across social media |
| Oct. 29 afternoon | Olandria Carthen responds publicly |
| Oct. 29 evening | Mustafa’s initial apology (later criticized) |
| Oct. 30 | Mustafa issues expanded, fuller apology |
| Oct. 31 | Huda Beauty officially ends partnership |
Huda Beauty removed all promotional content featuring Mustafa from stores and social media. The brand emphasized this was about “accountability not canceling people.” Founder Huda Kattan had personally heralded the collaboration just weeks before.
Why This Moment Matters So Much
This scandal exposes ongoing issues within Love Island USA regarding representation and anti-racism. This marks the third major racial slur incident from Season 7 contestants. Two other castmates were previously removed from the show for using slurs themselves.
The livestream incident reveals how fan culture can amplify racism targeting Black cast members. Carthen’s vocal response showed she won’t stay silent about mistreatment. Her approach demonstrates how important accountability truly is in entertainment and celebrity culture today.
For Mustafa, the immediate consequences were severe and visible. Reports suggest she lost more than 1 million dollars in brand sponsorship deals. Her actions forced conversations about who should be held responsible when racist comments occur in public spaces.
What Mustafa Said and Did After
- Initially downplayed the incident in early Instagram Stories
- Claimed she and Russell couldn’t clearly hear what was said at first
- Issued a stronger apology the next day after taking time to reflect
- Acknowledged her nervous laugh was inappropriate and wrong
- Pledged a personal donation to the NAACP
- Encouraged others to donate to anti-racism organizations
In her second statement released on Oct. 30, Mustafa wrote that her reaction came from being “caught off guard.” She said the laugh was “nervous” and “uncomfortable,” not from finding the slur funny. This clarification came after significant online backlash to her initial response.
What Comes Next for Huda Mustafa?
The path forward remains uncertain for the 25-year-old reality star. She’s lost her brand deal with one of the beauty industry’s most powerful companies. Social media engagement around her accounts has shifted notably since the incident.
Will other brands continue working with her moving forward? Can reputation damage from this incident ever fully heal? These are questions fans and industry observers continue asking as this story develops further.
Sources
- USA TODAY – Comprehensive reporting on Huda Beauty partnership ending and statements
- Teen Vogue – In-depth breakdown of the incident and community impact
- The Independent – Coverage of brand partnership termination and apology details
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.