Ms. Gigi Hadid, aged thirty, became visibly emotional while reflecting on the negative public commentary and body-shaming she experienced following her debut appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show a decade earlier. The supermodel—who recently made a rare public reference to her partner, actor Mr. Bradley Cooper—discussed the subject in a video segment released via the lingerie brand’s official Instagram account on Friday.
In the clip, Ms. Hadid, who is scheduled to appear in the forthcoming 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15 in New York City, recounted auditioning “two or three times” before successfully securing a position on the runway for the 2015 edition of the show. She described the moment as profoundly meaningful, stating that she was “just so happy for her,” referring affectionately to her younger self who had long aspired to participate in the event.
Becoming emotional, the model reflected on the intense scrutiny she faced during that period, remarking, “The world was so hard on her. And not just me—it’s hard on girls.” She added, “Then you look back at pictures and you’re like, ‘I was the s**t. That was an awesome time. And I deserved to be there.’” Ms. Hadid further expressed pride in both her younger and teenage selves, acknowledging the perseverance that brought her to that milestone.
She characterized the experience as one filled with “fun and excitement” and representative of “all the things that are so exciting about creating in this space.”
Following her 2015 runway debut, Ms. Hadid publicly addressed body-shaming criticisms in an interview with Vogue, asserting: “I’m an athletic person. But I love my body because I know what it’s been through to be what it is, and I’m not going to change for someone that is depressed about their life.” She emphasized that “The Victoria’s Secret Angels aren’t going anywhere; I’m not going anywhere; plus-sized models aren’t going anywhere.”
In September of that same year, she further defended herself on social media, acknowledging that her physique differed from other models but affirming her dedication and self-assurance. She wrote: “No, I don’t think I have the same body type as other models in shows. No, I don’t think I am the best at any given show… But really, I’m a hard worker that’s confident in myself—one that came at a time when the fashion industry was ready for a change.”
In her recent remarks, Ms. Hadid also admitted to still experiencing pre-show anxiety, stating, “I feel the responsibility of doing the best that I can for the huge team that is behind this show.”
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will be livestreamed globally via Amazon Prime Video on October 15, featuring performances by Missy Elliott, Madison Beer, Karol G, and Twice.
In a separate development, Ms. Hadid publicly expressed support for her partner, Mr. Bradley Cooper, through a post on her Instagram Stories. Sharing a photograph of herself resting on a sofa, she congratulated him on the premiere of his new film Is This Thing On?, writing, “Premiere night! Congratulations to my love!” and encouraging her followers to see the film when it is released in theaters on December 19.
The film, co-written and directed by Mr. Cooper—who also stars alongside Mr. Will Arnett, Ms. Laura Dern, and Ms. Andra Day—recently premiered at the New York Film Festival. The narrative centers on a couple navigating middle age, divorce, and co-parenting while rediscovering personal identity.
Ms. Hadid and Mr. Cooper were first publicly linked in October 2023 after being seen dining together in New York City.#newsafro_
