Was Supermodel Gigi Hadid banned from China?

World
Europe

There won’t be any angel wings for Gigi Hadid this year. The 22-year-old American supermodel confirmed that she would not attend the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2017 held in Shanghai, after her visa application was allegedly rejected because of racist comments.

“I’m so bummed I won’t be able to make it to China this year. 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!” Gigi confirmed the news at the last minute by her Twitter on Thursday, only four days before the show was scheduled to take place.

Her absence came shortly after she apologized for laughing while squinting her eyes and holding a Buddha-shaped cookie in a video went viral on social media, which was believed to be offensive to Asians.

Youtube

In reply to criticisms, she deleted the video and took to China's micro-blogging site Weibo to apologize for causing offence.

But obviously it didn’t work effectively since the case is still in hot debate among Internet users around the world.

“I don’t think Gigi is beautiful. Please never ever come to China,” Weibo user Lilijiang said.

“I dare @GiGiHadid to post her apology on ALL her social media instead of only the Chinese one. Racism offends everyone. #gigiisoverparty,” said CarsonZZhou on his Twitter.

But there were also people who stepped out for Gigi and said she deserved a chance to change.

“What she did is offensive but she did apologize,” said Iayan on his Twitter.

“Could you stop inciting? She is actually a good girl,” Shanguiheyueliang said on her Weibo.

Bashful Ratchet.com

Ed Razek, the show’s executive producer and chief creative officer of Victoria’s Secret, responded to news reports saying Gigi was denied a visa to China on Saturday.

“The news reports I’ve been reading from the US here in Shanghai regarding this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show are not an accurate reflection of what I’m seeing and experiencing on site,” he told People, a US-based magazine.

Ed stated that their Chinese partners were “wonderful and enthusiastic,” and helped them from granting more than 700 visas, collaborating with us on every detail and introducing us to local experts. “We appreciate their efforts and all they have done to make this event a success. We look forward to the live show Monday night and the international broadcast a week later.”