Gigi Hadid has pulled out of the upcoming Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai, China. The model was set to join her younger sister Bella Hadid, Victoria's Secret regulars like Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio as well as returning star Karlie Kloss for the taping of the lingerie catwalk spectacular on 20 November, but now she has announced she'll be a no-show. "I'm so bummed I won't be able to make it to China this year," the 22-year-old tweeted on Thursday. "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!"
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Gigi Hadid will no longer be walking for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai
Gigi did not give any further explanation for her last-minute cancellation, but has had a busy schedule of late, unveiling her new footwear collection for Stuart Weitzman and appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon earlier this week. However, some social media users have speculated that her absence may be connected to the backlash she received for a Snapchat video posted in February, in which she appeared to be mocking Asian facial features by squinting her eyes to mimic a cookie depicting the face of Buddha. Following criticism, with people interpreting the video as racist towards Asian people, Gigi issued an apology via Chinese social media website Weibo in both English and Mandarin, but not on her own Twitter or Instagram pages.
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Gigi took to Twitter to tell fans that she won't be walking in the show
"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," the post stated. "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." Gigi originally confirmed she would appear in the show by sharing a throwback video of her 2016 fitting to her Instagram page in August.