Gigi Hadid said she decided to march against President Donald Trump’s travel ban in 2017 because she’s from “two different cultures” and it’s important that “there’s more openness.”
“Hearing my family’s stories. My family was grateful to be given the chance to make a different life for themselves,” the 23-year-old Victoria’s Secret model shared with Elle magazine in a piece published Wednesday when asked what made her “take action.” (SLIDESHOW: The Sexiest Looks From The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show)
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“Everyone could have stories like that if they were given the chance,” she added. “Being from two different cultures, I see how both sides treat each other. It’s important that there is more openness for people to mix and get to know different cultures.”
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At one point, she admitted that because her mom was on a TV show she comes from “privilege.” But Gigi insisted that her whole “childhood” was not all fame and fortune. (RELATED: Celebs Blame Trump For Deadly Protest Over US Embassy Opening In Jerusalem)
“I mean, I understand it. I come from privilege, and I recognize my privilege. But because my mom was on a TV show [Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills], people think that my whole childhood was fame. It absolutely was not,” the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model explained.
“My mom was a model,” she added. “She moved to the States when she was 16 to send money back to her family in Holland. My dad was a refugee and worked his way up in every way. I work hard to honor my parents.”
Hadid’s father is Mohamed Hadid, who is of Palestinian origin, according to People magazine.
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