Gigi Hadid to miss China show after Buddha ‘insult’

GIGI HADID has pulled out of the Victoria’s Secret fashion show in Shanghai, meaning one of the underwear brand’s most famous models will not be appearing in its biggest event of the year.

This decision has been welcomed by many in China after she caused offence by “mocking Asians” in a “racist” Instagram video.

Ms Hadid, has apologised multiple times for the video, in which she holds up a cookie in the shape of the Buddha, then smiles and squints her eyes to imitate his face.

Users wrote on Weibo (China’s version of Twitter) after the announcement, with one warning: “Don’t come, I am serious, never come to China.” Another wrote: “This is the greatest news I have ever heard.”

The 22-year-old model, who was supposed to walk the runway with her sister Bella Hadid, wrote on Twitter: “I’m so bummed I won’t be able to make it to China this year. Love my VS family, and will be with all my girls in spirit!!”