Falsely Accused of Blackface: The Acne Mask, the Mob, and the Fight for Justice

Falsely Accused of Blackface: The Acne Mask, the Mob, and the Fight for Justice

From The Dr. Phil Podcast by Dr. Phil McGraw

April 23, 2026 · 45 min · Episode 725

About this episode

Dr. Phil interviews Holden Hughes about his wrongful accusation of blackface and the subsequent legal battle for justice.

Holden Hughes was a 14-year-old freshman and football player at an elite CaliforniaCatholic school when he put on a friend’s prescription acne mask at asleep over. Three years later, in the summer of 2020 during Covid shutdowns andBLM protests, a parent obtained that old photo, posted it to social media calling it “blackface,” and organized a protest at the school, all within hours. By the next day, St. Francis High School told Holden and his family:withdraw or be expelled. No investigation. No hearing. No due process. In spring 2024, a California jury sided with Holden and set a legal precedent that private high schools must provide fair procedure before expelling students. Dr.Phil sits down with Holden and his parents, Frank and Wendy, to hear his story: what really happened that night, what the mob did to his family, and whether a jury verdict can give back the senior year, and the reputation, that was taken from him. Thank you to our sponsors that made this episode possible: You Can Do It Foundation supports meaningful media that reflects faith, family, personal responsibility, and freedom. Partnering with industry leaders, we create content that resonates and…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Phil McGraw

Guest: Holden Hughes

Topics covered

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You Can Do It Foundation, Chapter

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: St. Francis High School

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