A viral livestream clip showing Love Island USA alum Huda Mustafa and her partner laughing after a caller used a racial slur aimed at fellow islander Olandria Carthen has ignited a fierce backlash online. The incident — captured during an Instagram Live on Louis Russell’s account — prompted immediate condemnation from viewers and peers, a public apology from Mustafa, and a decision by Huda Beauty to cut ties with the influencer. Here’s a concise, source-verified breakdown of the Olandria Carthen and Huda Mustafa livestream scandal, the confirmed fallout so far, and what it means for both women.
What actually happened during the livestream?
During an Instagram Live hosted on Louis Russell’s account, an unknown caller reportedly used the N-word referring to Olandria Carthen. Cameras captured Huda Mustafa and Russell briefly laughing before the call ended — footage that subsequently circulated widely on social platforms. Multiple outlets verified the clip and its content after the video went viral.
Immediate reactions — apologies and responses
Mustafa first said she and Russell hadn’t clearly heard the comment and that their laughter came from discomfort; she later issued a fuller apology acknowledging that laughing was inappropriate and that the slur was aimed at Carthen. Olandria condemned the comment publicly and used her platform to call for donations to civil-rights organizations, including the NAACP and UNCF. Fellow Islanders and other public figures also voiced support for Carthen.
Brand fallout: Huda Beauty severs ties
Within days of the clip circulating, global cosmetics brand Huda Beauty announced it was ending its partnership with Huda Mustafa, stating the influencer’s conduct did not align with the brand’s values and pledging to remove related content. That corporate response underscored how quickly brands react to racial-harassment controversies in influencer marketing.
Why this escalated — context and credibility
The incident landed in a broader context: viewers have previously scrutinized online interactions between the two stars and accused certain accounts of enabling abusive behavior. When a racial slur is involved, swift public condemnation and corporate distancing are common; brands often move decisively to protect reputation. The clip’s virality also meant there was little room for nuance in the court of public opinion.
Editorial insight — what this means for both stars
For Olandria Carthen, the episode has generated sympathy and a platform to highlight anti-racism causes; for Huda Mustafa, the damage is reputational and immediate — losing a major beauty partner will have measurable career impact. Social media controversies of this type frequently shape post-reality-show careers more than on-screen drama, so both women’s next moves — sincere outreach, consistent action, or silence — will determine long-term outcomes.
Conclusion
The Olandria Carthen and Huda Mustafa livestream scandal is a reminder that off-camera moments can have major professional consequences. With Huda Beauty publicly severing ties and supporters rallying behind Carthen, the incident has already altered narratives around both Islanders. Expect the story to remain in the headlines while both parties respond — whether through verified charitable action, further statements, or legal/agency involvement — and for brands and shows to watch influencer conduct even more closely.
All facts in this story are drawn from verified reports and brand statements. Key sources used include People, E! News, Decider, and official brand communications.
