- The company has denied that Hadid's support for Gaza was behind the sudden dismissal
Cosmetics brand Charlotte Tilbury has parted ways with Bella Hadid as the face of its incredibly popular lipstick collection.
The move came after the model, whose father is Palestinian, was criticized for expressing support for Gaza. But the company last night strongly denied that this was the reason she was suddenly axed as a brand ambassador.
Ms Hadid's departure came as a surprise to staff at the leading British make-up brand.
According to a source, bosses were so excited about the upcoming lipstick launch featuring Hadid that they sent videos to their staff to let them know they had re-signed her.
When bosses first started working with Hadid seven months ago, they were thrilled after sales soared, describing the rise in sales as the “Bella Hadid effect”.
Charlotte Tilbury herself appeared in a promotional video with Miss Hadid last year, in which she said to her: “Bella, darling!” I'm so glad you're here.
Ms Tilbury herself appeared in a promotional video with Hadid last year, telling her: “Bella, darling! I'm so glad you're here.” But now Hadid has been replaced by an unknown model
The move came after the model, whose father is Palestinian, was criticized for expressing support for Gaza. But the company last night strongly denied that this was the reason she was suddenly sacked as brand ambassador
Ms Hadid replied: “Charlotte, darling! I'm so happy to be here with you, I love you.' To which Miss Tilbury replied: “I love you too.”
But now Hadid has been replaced by an unknown model. Charlotte Tilbury confirmed last night that Hadid's contract had expired, but stressed that her political views on the Israel-Hamas war were not a factor in the decision.
Ms Hadid, whose real estate developer father Mohammed Hadid, 75, is Palestinian, attracted controversy over online posts expressing support for the people of Gaza.
In an Instagram post last October – shortly after Hamas slaughtered 1,200 Israelis in a terrorist attack – the model wrote: “I was sent hundreds of death threats every day, my phone number was leaked and my family felt in danger.” But I can no longer be silenced. Fear is not an option. The people and children of Palestine, especially in Gaza, cannot afford our silence. We are not brave – they are.
Ms Hadid, whose father is property developer Mohamed Hadid (pictured), 75, caused controversy over online comments expressing support for Gaza
“It is important to understand how difficult it is to be Palestinian in a world that sees us as terrorists who oppose peace. “It is harmful, it is shameful and it is absolutely untrue.”
When she was named the British Fashion Council's Model of the Year, Hadid said in her acceptance speech: “This is for the Palestinian children… This is for every child, immigrant or refugee.”
A source at Charlotte Tilbury told The Mail on Sunday: “Staff were expecting and had promised promotional materials fronting Bella Hadid for the re-promotion of the Air Brush Flawless range.” They had sent out videos and content to staff , in which they bragged about getting Bella Hadid as the face of the re-promotion because her endorsement is selling out makeup products like hot cakes. Charlotte Tilbury called it the 'Bella Hadid effect,' but then suddenly there was nothing left.”
After splitting from Charlotte Tilbury, Hadid now plans to open her own cosmetics and wellness company, Orebella, in May. She has previously spoken about losing jobs and friends because of her pro-Palestinian stance, saying: “I've had so many companies stop working with me and I have friends who have completely dropped me. “
Last night a spokeswoman for Charlotte Tilbury said: “We are delighted that Bella is launching her own collection later this year. “We have always loved working with Bella and although her contract has ended, she remains one great friend of Charlotte and the brand, and we look forward to creating more magical beauty moments together in the future.”
A statement from Charlotte Tilbury Beauty said: “It is absolutely not the case that any of Bella's personal views have influenced our contract or our relationship with her.” We are delighted that Bella is launching her own range later this year brings and wish her all the best. We have always loved working with Bella and although her contract has expired, she remains a great friend to Charlotte and the brand and we look forward to creating more magical beauty moments together in the future.”