Bella Hadid takes her Middle Eastern origins very seriously. She’s in the past spoke up about her Palestinian origins with pride. However, in the early hours of the morning Hadid’s instagram story of her boots at an airport resulted in an uproar on social media.
Hadid has now apologised to fans who were offended by an Instagram story she posted yesterday, where her shoe is held up against an airport window that overlooks a row of airlines from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Critics on social media were of the opinion that Hadid’s foot towards the airplanes’ country flags was disrespectful, and began the hashtag #BellaHadidIsRacist. Some accused her of intentionally disrespecting the two countries, and some are calling for brands like Dior and Calvin Klein to stop working with the model.
However, the model posted an apology in both English and Arabic on her social media accounts.
— Bella Hadid (@bellahadid) June 17, 2019
Hadid said: “The photo of my shoe on my story yesterday had nothing to do with politics. I promise. I never noticed the planes in the background and that is the truth. I would never mean to disrespect these airlines, let alone these amazing countries. I absolutely love these airlines, with the best planes and people.
I want to send a sincere apology to those who ever thought I would put blame on them, especially to Saudi Arabia and the UAE… This was never the case, and I hope you can understand the misunderstanding. I will be more responsible when bringing awareness to all causes, including my beloved Middle Eastern community. Thank you for taking the time. I love every single one of you.”
“Not only do I have so much respect from the bottom of my heart, I have always tried to stand up for what I feel is right, especially regarding the great Middle East. I have never and will never be the one to talk down on these countries… Only to spread love, and the true beauty of them, as the way I was taught by my Teta and my father. To feel as if I have disappointed you is what hurts me the most,” Hadid added.
this was an honest mistake on an early morning… never, ever would I intentionally try to offend anyone like that. I am so sorry ..
— Bella Hadid (@bellahadid) June 17, 2019
Along with her supermodel sister Gigi and brother Anwar, the Hadid siblings are half Dutch, half Palestinian born to Yolanda – a reality TV star – and Mohamed Hadid – a real estate mogul.
