Clash Erupts at Hillcrest Mall During Protest Over Huda Beauty Products
RICHMOND HILL — A protest at Hillcrest Mall over controversial beauty products sold at Sephora escalated into a heated confrontation this weekend, drawing a police response and unsettling shoppers at the busy Richmond Hill shopping centre.
The incident unfolded near the Sephora store when members of the Iranian community were distributing flyers calling for a boycott of Huda Beauty, a global cosmetics brand that has recently become the focus of international controversy. According to witnesses, a man who appeared to support Iran’s current government confronted the protesters, leading to shouting and physical contact.
“It went from arguing to pushing really fast,” said Mariam H., a Richmond Hill resident who was shopping nearby. “People were yelling in Persian and English, and then suddenly mall security and police were rushing in. It was scary because there were families and kids everywhere.”
Another shopper, David K., who was at the mall with his children, said the confrontation caught everyone off guard.
“This is usually a very calm mall,” he said. “You don’t expect political clashes to turn physical while you’re buying groceries or clothes.”
Background to the Protest
The demonstration was part of a broader boycott campaign against Huda Beauty, sparked by social media activity from the brand’s founder that critics say echoed Iranian government narratives. Many in the Iranian diaspora — including large communities in the Greater Toronto Area — view the campaign as part of ongoing opposition to the Iranian regime and its treatment of protesters and dissidents.
Flyers distributed at Hillcrest Mall urged shoppers to avoid purchasing the brand and called on retailers to stop carrying its products.
An Iranian-Canadian resident who supports the boycott, and asked not to be named out of concern for family abroad, said the protest was meant to be peaceful.
“We were just handing out information,” she said. “People have the right to disagree, but no one should be shoved or threatened for speaking out.”
Police Response
Witnesses reported that York Regional Police arrived shortly after the confrontation began. One individual was detained, and paramedics were briefly on scene. No serious injuries have been confirmed publicly, and police have not released details about charges or the identities of those involved.
A mall employee who did not want to be named said the atmosphere remained tense even after police intervened.
“You could feel how emotional it was,” the employee said. “Security had to keep people separated, and shoppers were just trying to figure out what was happening.”
Community Impact
The incident has sparked significant discussion online, with some residents expressing concern about international political conflicts spilling into local public spaces, while others emphasized the importance of free expression and peaceful protest.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Sara M., a Richmond Hill mother who witnessed the aftermath. “You understand why people are passionate, but this is a community mall. Everyone deserves to feel safe here.”
As of Monday, Hillcrest Mall and Sephora remained open, and no further incidents were reported. Police say the investigation is ongoing.