First hijab-wearing model to appear in a L'Oreal haircare campaign pulls out

The first hijab-wearing model to appear in a L'Oreal haircare campaign has pulled out after controversy surrounding a series of anti-Israel tweets.

Amena Khan's appearance in the brand's latest advertisement for its Elvive haircare line was said to challenge traditional hair advertising as she was photographed wearing a hijab. 

She made the posts, including one that described Israel as an "illegal state" and another referring to the country as a "child murderer" in 2014, but they were unearthed when she recently shot to fame. 

In a statement she said she "deeply regrets" what she said and apologised for the "upset and hurt that they have caused".

The tweets have now been deleted.  In one post she said:"U repeatedly say "nobody is above the law". Well, under international law, Israel is an illegal state. Yet u support them. EXPLAIN #AskDavid'." 

Another says: 'Israel = Pharoah. Both are child murderers. Insha'Allah, defeat also awaits the former; it's only a matter of time. #HopeForGaza #SaveGaza'.

And in a third post directed at Channel 4 presenter Jon Snow, she wrote: 'Your "children of Gaza" piece was incredibly moving. Israel is a sinister state & the one who suffer most are innocent children'." 

She said: "I deeply regret the content of the tweets I made in 2014, and sincerely apologise for the upset and 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.

"I recently took part in a campaign, which excited me because it celebrated inclusivity. "With deep regret, I've decided to step down from this campaign because the current conversations surrounding it detract from the positive and inclusive sentiment that it set out to deliver."

A spokesperson for L'Oreal Paris said: "We have recently been made aware of a series of tweets posted in 2014 by Amena Kahn, 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."