Supermodel Bella Hadid has responded to body shamers who criticised her for being too thin on social media.
The 22-year-old confirmed that she will walking in this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with a series of photographs on Instagram, in which she sported a black lingerie set and a pair of snake print boots.
Alongside the images she wrote: “I can’t wait for you to see all of the beautiful outfits …I’m so grateful to be a part of the show again, feeling happier and healthier than ever.”
The short gallery quickly divided followers and, while some praised her body confidence, others said she looked “disturbing” and “unhealthy”.
“Skin and bone. That second page is quite frankly disturbing,” one person commented.
Another added: “I have nothing against being slim but this is unhealthy on so many levels. Shame on @victoriassecret for encouraging and promoting this totally unrealistic image.”
One other person wrote: “Eat a cheese burger lady. You’re about as thin as a stick”.
Others shared concerns for the model’s health and the impact such photos could have on girls and young women.
“I think @bellahadid is gorgeous but she does look a bit bony in these photos and I worry how this will impact some women with body issues,” one follower wrote.
Another added: “I will never understand why bones protruding through skin is considered beautiful”.
In light of the negative reaction, Hadid updated the gallery’s caption to say: “All body types are different and react differently to a great workout routine and a healthy diet.”
Fans of the supermodel were quick to jump to her defence with one person writing: “You’re gorgeous the way you are! Don’t believe it any other way!”
The controversy comes as Victoria’s Secret has faced its own criticisms by the public for its lack of size diversity.