Gigi, along with a host of other models, is reportedly banned because of social-media posts that they made, which were deemed offensive.
- Nov 17, 2017
AceShowbiz - The 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which is set to take place in Shanghai on Tuesday, November 21, is facing a big problem. Gigi Hadid, who was billed to return to the runaway this year along with her sister Bella Hadid, announced on Thursday that she could not make it to China and participate in the event.
The 22-year-old addressed it on Twitter. "I'm so bummed I won't be able to make it to China this year," she wrote, adding, "Love my VS family, and will be with all my girls in spirit!! Can't wait to tune in with everyone to see the beautiful show I know it will be, and already can't wait for next year! :) x."
Gigi didn't offer an explanation as to why she dropped out of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at the last minute. However, Page Six reports that the blonde beauty, along with a host of other top models, has been banned from entering China.
The models were believed to have been banned due to various social-media posts that they made, which were apparently deemed offensive. In Gigi's case, back in February her sister Bella posted on Instagram a video in which Gigi held up a biscuit shaped like a Buddha and imitated the religious figure by squinting her eyes. The video was later deleted after a storm of internet backlash accusing the model of being racist.
Gigi didn't immediately apologize. In September, after it was announced that she would return to the VS Fashion Show this year, she wrote on the Chinese social media site Weibo, "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 apologize to those who were hurt or felt let down by me."
She continued, "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."
Other models who have been denied entry to China reportedly include Julia Belyakova, Kate Grigorieva and Irina Sharipova, in addition to some of Victoria's Secret's biggest names. Adriana Lima's visa has been held up due to an ongoing "diplomatic problem." Katy Perry, who was booked to perform at the event, is reportedly banned from the country as well.
Meanwhile, Gigi's sister Bella and other models like Karlie Kloss and Martha Hunt are already on their way to Shanghai.
