A Sports Illustrated Swim model is defending her figure after body shamers said she didn’t belong on the runway.
Gigi Hadid posted a lengthy message on her Instagram Monday morning firing back at negative comments after she said she let them get to her “a little.”
“I represent a body image that wasn’t accepted in high-fashion before,” the 20-year-old wrote. “Yes, I have boobs, I have abs, I have a butt, I have thighs.”
(Photo: Sports Illustrated)
“No, I don’t have the same body type as other models in shows. No, I don’t think I’m the best at any given shows. Yes, I want to have a unique walk but I also know I have to improve. No, I’m not the first or the last model of my type in this industry.”
(Photo: Sports Illustrated)
“You can make up all the reasons you think I am where I am, but really, I’m a hard worker that’s confident in myself, one that came at a time where the fashion industry was ready for a change.” (PHOTOS: This Sports Illustrated Model Is Wearing Nothing But Underwear In This Scandalous Selfie)
(Photo: Sports Illustrated)
“If you don’t like it, don’t follow me, don’t watch me, cause I’m not going anywhere. If I didn’t have the body I do, I wouldn’t have the career I do,” Hadid continued. “I love that I can be sexy. I’m proud of it.” (VIDEO: Is This Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Doing Cocaine In This Video?)