Bella Hadid Breaks Silence On Victoria’s Secret Appearance

Bella Hadid wants fans to know she did her best, even with 50 pounds extra weight on her shoulders.

The model broke her silence following widespread criticism and health speculation after she closed out the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Critics and fans pointed out that she could not give her iconic strut while wearing floral-like wings.

The comments follow Bella Hadid’s triumphant return to the runway after getting treatment in Germany for Lyme disease. She also opened up about her hidden battle with anxiety and depression.

Hadid addressed the criticisms and speculations on her Instagram Story, revealing that she did her best with the extra weight on her shoulders. “Ok, we’re not going to pretend these wings weren’t 50 pounds, but HOW BEAUTIFUL,” she quipped.

The wings in question were the massive angel wings she rocked during her final walk at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The white petal-like material gave the wings a soft cloud appearance, while Hadid stunned in a bedazzled showgirl outfit.

She wore an all-white lingerie set underneath a silver fringe that gave off a shimmering effect. The Hollywood Reporter shared that Hadid had the wings strapped to her back as she closed out the show in heels, while Tate McRae’s “Sports Car” played in the background.

A video capturing Hadid’s controversial catwalk went viral on TikTok, with user Meyechel Gossips weighing in on the drama. The video showed Hadid struggling to strut with the heavy wings while maintaining her balance on high heels.

At one point, she held onto the straps of the wings, presumably to support and steady herself as she closed out the show. Despite the challenge, Hadid stayed professional, smiling, waving, and blowing kisses at the audience.

The TikToker applauded Hadid for pushing through to the end, reminding fans that her return to the runway followed her stay at a German treatment center. The post also included pictures of Hadid taken during her treatment, with some snaps showing her emotionally drained.

The video sparked concern for Hadid, with most blaming the organizers of Victoria’s Secret for putting her in a difficult spot. “Why would they give her these heavy wings knowing she’s not so well?” someone wondered. Another agreed, noting another model should have replaced Hadid.

The sentiments continued, with a TikToker writing: “They did her dirty, but she handled it like a pro.” Other fans applauded Hadid for doing her best in a challenging situation. “Almost 30kgs on her shoulders in heels. Insane. She did so good,” a supporter noted.

“The wings were heavy and she’s sick, she killed itttt,” a fellow admirer added. On the other hand, a few blamed the media personality’s mom, Yolanda Hadid, for the situation. One conspiracy theorist speculated that the matriarch had “pushed” her daughter to participate in the show.

Besides her controversial catwalk and Lyme disease health scare, Hadid has made waves for her mental health. The Blast covered the story, reporting that an insider claimed there was more to her social media absences.

They noted the Vogue cover girl was “as functional as she can be, but there’s always room for improvement.” The insider explained that she “struggles to be around people,” and chose to retreat to her private space whenever things got bad.

Hadid appeared to recharge more quickly when she was alone and ignored communications from everyone, including her family. The insider noted that she would not outrightly ghost her loved ones but let them know she couldn’t talk at the moment.

The insider’s words followed Hadid’s decision to unveil her hidden mental health battle. The Blast shared that she broke the news on Instagram in honor of World Mental Health Day. She dropped several pictures and quotes linked to anxiety and depression.

Hadid revealed in the post’s lengthy caption that she struggled with her mental health for years, noting that she often felt anxious and depressed. Her feelings were so intense that on some days she was left in tears, wondering why her world was so dark despite her blessings.

Eventually, Hadid learned that she shouldn’t be ashamed of her mental health struggles and see her emotions as a “superpower.” She added that she partnered with UNICEF to help others in similar situations, especially those without access to resources and a supportive system.

Will the drama surrounding Bella Hadid’s appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Show deter other brands from using heavy props?