What Huda Kattan’s TikTok Drama Can Teach Us

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you might have seen the drama around Huda Kattan, the Iraqi-American founder of Huda Beauty. She posted some thoughts about Israel and Iraq – seemed like she was just sharing what she was thinking – but blew up quickly. So quickly, in fact, that big retailer Sephora dropped Huda Beauty as a partner. You might be thinking, “Well, she’s got millions of followers and is proud of her background, so what’s the big deal?”

Turns out, when you’re someone like Huda who’s not just a person but the face of a global brand, speaking your mind can get messy – especially on political or sensitive topics. And this isn’t just about a billionaire entrepreneur; it’s something all of us second-gen folks living in Ireland should think about, because social media is everywhere, and our voices matter.

The TikTok Trap: Thinking It’s Just a Chill Chat

One of the sneakiest traps with platforms like TikTok is they feel casual and personal. You post a quick video, maybe just a thought or a reaction, and it feels like a conversation with your friends or followers who get you. For someone like Huda – who’s Iraqi-American and proud of that – it might’ve seemed like she was opening up to a community that’d understand her perspective.

But the reality? TikTok is worldwide. People from all sorts of backgrounds and beliefs watch those videos. What feels like a private chat to some can look like a big political statement to others. And when you’re tied to a brand, your personal opinions come with brand baggage – even if that’s not what you meant.

Why This Matters to Us, Second-Gen in Ireland

If you’re second-generation here or anywhere really, you know the struggle of balancing your family’s culture and your Irish reality. Social media is often our space to explore that, share our story, and connect with people who get it. But Huda’s experience reminds us that when you share parts of your identity or opinions, especially about big issues, not everyone will respond with understanding. Some might react strongly, and that reaction can affect your relationships and opportunities. Even if you’re not running a global brand, people still see what you say online as part of who you are. And that can shape how people treat you in school, work, or in social circles.

The Double-Edged Sword of Speaking Out

We want to encourage everyone to speak up and be proud of who they are. That’s how change happens! But there’s a difference between speaking out and handling the fallout that might come with it. The internet doesn’t forget, and things you say can travel way beyond what you expected. For Huda, her personal thoughts ended up costing her business partnerships. For everyday people, it might mean awkward conversations, lost jobs, or social backlash. That’s not to scare anyone off – just something to be real about.

How To Find Your Own Voice – and Keep Your Ground

Here are some thoughts on how to keep owning your identity online but also protect yourself:

• Remember who your audience really is. A TikTok or Insta post can be seen by anyone, not just your close friends.

• Think about what you want to say and why. Is it to educate, vent, or start a conversation? That can change how you approach it.

• Be ready for different opinions – even if you’re sharing something close to your heart. Not everyone will agree or be kind.

• If you’re connected to work, school, or other groups, consider how your posts might affect those relationships.

• Use your platform to build bridges, not walls. Invite dialogue instead of shutting down others.

Bottom Line

Huda Kattan’s TikTok situation is a big reminder that no matter where we come from or how proud we are of our roots, sharing ourselves online takes careful thought – especially when it comes to sensitive topics. As second-generation young people living in Ireland, we’re lucky to have digital spaces to express ourselves, but with that comes a responsibility to be thoughtful and strategic about what we say and how.

Speak your truth. Share your culture. But be savvy about navigating the complex world of online voices and the real-world effects they have. Because at the end of the day, your story matters – and so does your future. Drop a 300 – 500-word tale at equalityworx.com/share or post a TikTok with #EqualityWorxVibe – tag @EqualityWorx, and we’ll hype your voice.