Sharon Chuter, Founder of Uoma Beauty, Dies at 38 Amid $50M Lawsuit — Followers Question Whether Foul Play Was Involved
The beauty industry is reeling after the sudden and mysterious death of Sharon Chuter, the Nigerian-born founder and former CEO of Uoma Beauty. Chuter, only 38 years old, was found dead in her Los Angeles home on August 14, Media Take Out has confirmed.
The Los Angeles Medical Examiner has listed the cause of death as “deferred,” meaning the official cause is still under investigation. That uncertainty has sparked whispers online, especially since Chuter was in the middle of a messy, high-stakes lawsuit against the current owners of the very brand she built from the ground up.
A Beauty Trailblazer
Chuter launched Uoma Beauty in 2019 with a bold vision: a brand that put inclusivity at the forefront. Its “Say What?!” foundation line launched with 51 shades, instantly separating Uoma from legacy beauty companies that had long failed to cater to deeper skin tones.
Her message went beyond makeup. Chuter was unapologetically outspoken about racism in the corporate world. In 2020, she launched the viral campaign #PullUpOrShutUp, calling out beauty and fashion companies that posted Black Lives Matter messages without real diversity behind the scenes. She forced brands like L’Oréal and Glossier to disclose how many Black employees worked for them, sparking industry-wide conversations about performative activism.
At the height of her influence, Chuter wasn’t just a CEO — she was a movement.
A Complicated Exit From Uoma
But behind the glossy campaigns and viral hashtags, Chuter’s own corporate journey turned rocky. In 2023, she stepped down as CEO, citing exhaustion from the “corporate grind.” On Instagram, she revealed she had been hospitalized, losing 10 kilograms in one week. Doctors initially feared stomach cancer, though she later clarified that wasn’t the case.
Still, she admitted she had been forced onto medical leave, which she described as the true reason for her sabbatical.
But things grew even messier in 2024 when Uoma relaunched under new ownership. Chuter later admitted she stepped down because there would’ve been “friction” between herself and BrainTrust, the venture capital firm backing the brand.
The $50 Million Lawsuit
In February 2025, Chuter filed a bombshell lawsuit against MacArthur Beauty, BrainTrust, and Settle Funding. She accused them of pushing her out while she was on medical leave, and even worse, of stealing $50 million in assetsfrom her.
The lawsuit sought damages for intentional fraudulent transfer, essentially alleging that the new owners schemed to cheat her out of her rightful stake in Uoma.
The case was ongoing at the time of her death, which is why some of her fans and followers are openly wondering if foul play could have been involved.
Final Months
Despite the legal battles and health struggles, Chuter continued to be a force in public spaces. In recent months, she had given speeches at the University of Southern California and appeared at The Beauty Exchange conference, continuing to advocate for diversity, inclusion, and social justice in the beauty industry.
Her sudden passing, at the height of such a contentious lawsuit, has left her supporters not only heartbroken but also suspicious. Many on social media are calling for full transparency in the investigation into her death.
A Legacy That Changed Beauty Forever
Whether or not her lawsuit contributed to the turmoil in her life, there’s no denying Sharon Chuter changed the beauty industry. She built Uoma into a global brand, held billion-dollar corporations accountable for their lack of diversity, and inspired countless young women of color to demand space at the table.
Her death leaves behind a giant question mark — and a legacy that will not be forgotten.