L'Oreal's first hijab-wearing model quits over her 'anti-Israel' tweets

Amena Khan, from Leicester, says she 'deeply regret[s]' the posts from 2014 and apologises for the 'upset and hurt'

A beauty blogger has pulled out of a L’Oreal campaign after it emerged she had posted “anti-Israel” tweets in 2014.

Amena Khan, from Leicester, said she “deeply regret[s]” the tweet and apologised for the “upset and hurt” caused by the posts.

Ms Khan was set to be the first woman in a hijab to be a part of an advert for hair care and would have started alongside the likes of pop star Cheryl Tweedy.

She announced the news on Instagram and said: “I deeply regret the content of the tweets I made in 2014, and sincerely apologise for the upset and hurt that they have caused.

Championing diversity is one of my passions, I don’t discriminate against anyone. I have chosen to delete them as they do not represent the message of harmony that I stand for.”

In the tweets Ms Khan said “Israel is an illegal state” and “Israel = Pharaoh. Both are child murderers”, according to the Daily Mail.

A spokesperson for L’Oreal Paris told Newsbeat: “We have recently been made aware of a series of tweets posted in 2014 by Amena Khan, who was featured in a UK advertising campaign.

“We appreciate that Amena has since apologised for the content of these tweets and the offence they have caused.

“L’Oreal Paris is committed to tolerance and respect towards all people. We agree with her decision to step down from the campaign.”