Sephora ad with hijabi female soccer players triggers controversy in France

The Collective to Combat Islamophobia in Europe praised both Sephora and Les Hijabeuses for spotlighting Muslim women in France

PARIS, France – A recent advertisement by cosmetics giant Sephora featuring Muslim hijabi female soccer players has sparked a wave of far-right criticism in France.

The ad features members of Les Hijabeuses, an advocacy group that campaigns for the right of Muslim women to wear headscarves in soccer.

The ad was criticized by some right-wing individuals and social media users, who called for a boycott of Sephora.

They accuse the brand of supporting the “Islamization of France.”

Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, a member of the French National Assembly, criticized Sephora for supporting a garment that is banned in sports.

Despite the French Soccer Federation’s ban on hijabs at official matches — a policy denounced by various rights advocates — Les Hijabeuses, initiated by the Civic Alliance in 2020, continues to campaign against the restriction.

The hashtag BoycottSephora gained traction as critics view the hijab as oppressive or merely a marketing stunt.

However, many applauded Sephora’s inclusive message. The Collective to Combat Islamophobia in Europe praised both Sephora and Les Hijabeuses for spotlighting Muslim women in France.

The ad highlights the ongoing debate in France about the role of religion in society.

The country maintains secularism, which separates state and religion, but many believe it’s being used as a weapon against French Muslims.

In recent years, France has banned full-face veils in public, prohibited the wearing of headscarves in schools and state institutions, and banned civil servants from wearing headscarves in the workplace.

Recently, the abaya was also banned from public schools, prompting widespread protests.