MAC Cosmetics, one of the world’s largest make-up brands, has fired Kuwaiti social media star Sondos Alqattan over a controversial video in which she criticised the rights of Filipino workers.

In a statement sent to Gulf News on Wednesday evening, the company said it did not support Al Qattan’s beliefs, and as a result would be ending its relationship with the make-up artist and blogger.

“We currently do not have any partnerships with her and will no longer be working with her on any brand activities,” the company said.

The statement added that as a brand, MAC strives “to align ourselves with partners that share our core values and in no way tolerate excluding anyone.”

On Tuesday Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido and South Korean brand Etude House joined the likes of Max Factor in distancing themselves from the controversial blogger.

Shiseido then issued a statement on Thursday, confirming that they have cut ties with Al Qattan. 

“Shiseido does not support or align with the recent statements made by Sondos Al Qattan. In pursuit of its mission to “inspire a life of beauty and culture”, Shiseido aims to be an important and trusted corporate entity, accepted by society and consumers worldwide. Shiseido understands that it must respect the human rights of all persons as a prerequisite to conduct business activities for its sustainable growth together with the global society. Shiseido is not currently working with Sondos. We have no plans to work with her again in the future. "

Critics online are calling for Alqattan’s advertisers to cancel well-paid endorsement deals following her comments.

The make-up artist and beauty blogger has yet to apologise, instead doubling down on her original statement.

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