How Ulta Beauty tackles backlash over podcast appearance of transgender influencer.

Chanakarn Srinon
Marketing in the Age of Digital
2 min readApr 2, 2023

Ulta Beauty is standing behind Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer, despite boycott threats over her appearance on the company’s podcast.

Ulta Beauty, a company that is committed to diversity and inclusion, recently found itself in the middle of a controversy when it featured transgender influencer, Dylan Mulvaney, on its podcast “The Beauty Of…”. While some viewers praised the episode, some anti-trans individuals criticized the cosmetics retailer for featuring Mulvaney and gender-fluid host David Lopez in a conversation centered on femininity and beauty. They even called for a boycott of Ulta Beauty and posted hurtful comments aimed at Mulvaney, Lopez, and transgender people.

Dylan Mulvaney gained popularity on TikTok with her “100 Days of Girlhood” series, where she shares insights about the daily experiences of being a transgender woman.

But Ulta Beauty didn’t back down! The company stood by its decision to feature Mulvaney and Lopez and emphasized the importance of “constructive dialogue” in moving beauty forward. This is a brand that’s committed to diversity and inclusion, and its podcast series “The Beauty Of…” aims to start conversations that challenge traditional beauty standards. By featuring a transgender influencer, Ulta Beauty is consistent with its values and mission.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11322215/Ulta-beauty-faces-BOYCOTT-inviting-controversial-trans-influencer-Dylan-Mulvaney-podcast.html

Unfortunately, issues related to gender identity can be polarizing, and it’s not surprising that some viewers took issue with the episode. But the fact remains that Ulta Beauty did not intentionally offend or harm anyone. The crisis was the result of some viewers taking issue with the episode, not the fault of the brand.

How did Ulta Beauty handle the situation? With grace and poise! The brand defended its decision to feature Mulvaney and Lopez and emphasized the importance of “constructive dialogue.” Ulta Beauty also asked for respectful comments aimed at Mulvaney. This is a perfect example of how to manage a crisis with respect and sensitivity.

By taking a measured and respectful approach to the crisis, Ulta Beauty reinforced its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The brand’s response emphasized the importance of respect for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. Ulta Beauty demonstrated its ability to handle sensitive issues with sensitivity and empathy.

All in all, Ulta Beauty emerged from this crisis with its reputation intact. The brand’s response was consistent with its values and mission, and it showed that the company can handle difficult situations with grace and respect.

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