ICYMI, the models walking in the 2018 Victoria’s Secret show have been announced – as has the show’s location: Shanghai, China.
It’s a first for the famed show, which usually shows in the US but broke protocol last year by holding its annual lingerie extravaganza in Paris.
But for Gigi Hadid, the news that she’s been chosen to walk in the show has been marred by an influx of hate, with people taking to social media to declare that the star isn’t welcome in China.
Hadid came under fire in February 2017 after younger sister Bella posted a video of her narrowing her eyes to mimic a Buddha cookie at an Asian restaurant. Critics were quick to call her out for racism, and Bella deleted the video – but neither sister formally apologised, until now.
The 22-year-old has reportedly finally addressed the video, apologising to fans for the stunt in a long statement.
“It hurts me to hurt anyone, and I want you all to know that it was never my intent to offend anyone through my actions and I sincerely apologise to those who were hurt or felt let down by me,” it read. “I have the utmost respect and love for the people of China and cherish the incredible memories I have made while visiting in the past.”
The message was written in both Mandarin and English, however, instead of using her usual social media accounts – Twitter, Instagram or Facebook – to post the apology, Gigi used Chinese social media site Weibo – meaning no one outside of China saw it.
“I have learned to be very careful of how my actions can come off or be portrayed and I’m hopeful you’ll accept my apology. I hope to meet many of you and let you get to know me for me. I do not condone hurtful behaviour and want people and fans of all backgrounds to know they are welcomed, loved and respected around me and by me,” she concluded according to the screenshot a fan posted to Twitter.
Chinese fans were quick to condemn the model for trying to hide her apology from the rest of the world.
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