Apology not accepted
Whether you’re one of the most famous faces in the world right now or are new to the world modelling, announcing that you’ll be walking in the 2017 Victoria’s Secret Show should be one of the best days of your life, right? Unfortunately not for Gigi Hadid…
Earlier this year, in February to be exact, the 22-year-old model was thrust into the spotlight once again, but this time it wasn’t for a good reason.
She appeared in a video in which she seemed to be mimicking Asian people by holding up a buddha-shaped cookie and making a face that fans viewed as mocking. Many found it offensive and some even called her racist, so when the model announced last week that she would be wearing her wings for Victoria’s Secret once again, she was met with streams of unforgiving comments as this year’s show is due to take place in Shanghai, China.
The original video was, of course, removed months ago, but fans haven’t had an apology from Gigi Hadid until now.
She posted this statement on her official Weibo account, a popular Chinese social media platform:
So let’s make it clear, Gigi “apologized” at Weibo. Did any one out of China knows? #gigiisoverparty #gigiracist #gigihadid pic.twitter.com/RoA3VpIkw4
— CHLOE Jiang (@CHLOEJsw) September 2, 2017
“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,” her statement reads.
“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. 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,” it continues.
“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.”
But her heartfelt apology hasn’t been received as we imagine she’d hoped. As Gigi only said sorry on Weibo, not on any of her other social media accounts, fans were quick to express their disappointment.
@GiGiHadid how about you issue your apology on another1 of your social accounts other than Weibo?
— TruthHurts123 (@TruthHurts1233) September 4, 2017
Ur apology to Chinese ppl is only on Weibo but not on Twitter. Is that just a lame PR show? Or you even don’t bother to make a sincere one?
— SibiriinGerel (@SibiriinGerel) September 2, 2017
So let’s make it clear, Gigi “apologized” at Weibo. Did any one out of China knows? #gigiisoverparty #gigiracist #gigihadid pic.twitter.com/RoA3VpIkw4
— CHLOE Jiang (@CHLOEJsw) September 2, 2017
Your move, Gigi.
