Gigi Hadid’s Racist ‘Squinty Eyes’ May Be Why She Can’t Go to China for VS Fashion Show

It would seem that China has not forgotten what international supermodel Gigi Hadid did earlier this year — or so it would seem. Such was the backlash to an Instagram video featuring the 22-year-old squinting her eyes while holding a Buddha cookie that she may have been forced to drop out of the upcoming Victoria’s Secret fashion show in China.

Chinese netizens were angered by the infamous video clip posted by her sister Bella, which went viral on Chinese social media back in February. Hadid was immediately slammed for her “joke” that many deemed racist, as she appeared to be mocking Asians. She was then warned to stay out of China, lest she invoke the wrath of angered Chinese fans.

While Hadid hadn’t addressed the issue on her Twitter and Instagram accounts, she did write an apology on Weibo, which many Chinese fans did not find sincere. Many netizens were not amused and pointed out that the post seemed to be a half-hearted PR attempt to win back fans in preparation for the show in China.

Back in August, Hadid had announced her participation in the prestigious event via a black and white video of herself wearing lingerie and angel wings on Instagram with the caption: “Forever and ever and ever a dream come true to be asked back to the VS Show !!!” However, many Chinese Victoria’s Secret fans threatened to boycott the upcoming show in Shanghai should the global fashion brand decided to bring Hadid to China. This has led many to believe that Hadid’s recent twitter post has something to do with the incident, as she confirmed that she will not be participating the show scheduled for November 29.

“I’m so bummed I won’t be able to make it to China this year,” she wrote without any reference to the controversy. “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!”

A spokesperson for the Chinese government could not confirm nor deny the possible connection between her infamous Instagram post and her inability to participate in the show.

Hadid will not be the only person from the Victoria’s Secret show not admitted into China; singer Katy Perry has also been denied entry to China, allegedly due to her various social media posts that the Chinese government has found.

Feature Image via Instagram / gigihadid