A public appearance by Dubai-based beauty blogger Huda Kattan at The Dubai Mall on Monday was cancelled “due to safety and security concerns”. Kattan, who owns her own beauty products line, was scheduled to attend a meet-and-greet at 5pm, and launch a new make-up product, at 7pm at the Sephora store.
According to her post on Instagram, Kattan promised Huda Beauty products worth more than Dh6,500 to the first 40 people in line.
“I have been counting down for this event for over a month and I’ve really been looking forward to meeting you all! Words can’t describe how sad I am,” she later posted on her Instagram, which has more than 19 million followwers. “I’m really sorry to everyone who planned on coming out tonight but this is beyond our control.”
There were mixed reactions to her post, with some fans who were furious for poor planning on her part and for not anticipating the crowd, while a majority of them were understanding about her concerns for their safety.
“We are just as sad as you are. I love you so much because you are so connected to us... will be buying your 3D highlighter palette. It’s just so sad I couldn’t see you today,” one fan commented on her Instagram post.
“Honestly it’s better that you didn’t come although I would have loved to meet you. The scene was unsafe and people were pushing each other, stepping on each other and screaming,” said another fan.
“I wish this was handled a bit more carefully as people put in a A LOT of time and effort to be there for the launch,” said an angry fan on Instagram.
“Very disappointed about today. Just wanted to get the highlighter palette,” said a fan in response to her post.
Most people had started to line up hours in advance just to meet the beauty blogger.
The staff at the mall and Sephora were blamed by many fans. “Mall security and Sephora staff should [have] been prepared better and ready for what was ahead. The staff was not friendly at all, and I am totally understanding that events get stressful but there is never an excuse for disrespect or bad customer service. They need to understand that we were there to support you and [your] launch,” read a comment on Instagram.
— Saanya Lulla is an intern at Gulf News.
