Gigi Hadid is warned she's 'not welcome' in China for the Victoria's Secret show

Many are unhappy about the model's arrival in November

gigi hadid

Many are unhappy about the model's arrival in November

Words by Jadie Troy-Pryde

Earlier this week, one of the most competitive lists in the fashion industry was released - the names of the models who had made it to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2017. From seasoned old timers like Adriana Lima, to newcomers like Amilna Estevao, the list made news across the world and fans of the show were excited about the glamorous event.

But there is one person on the Victoria's Secret line up that has been criticised and warned not to go to the show in China later this year, and that's Gigi Hadid.

The 22-year-old supermodel made her Victoria's Secret debut in 2015 and has since walked the infamous runway alongside her friend, Kendall Jenner, and younger sister, Bella. Sharing the news on Instagram, Gigi posted a video of herself twirling in an outfit from last year's show, writing: 'Forever and ever and ever a dream come true to be asked back to the VS Show... another unforgettable opportunity; every aspect makes me feel like a dreaming kid again.'

A photo posted by on

However, the backlash was almost immediate with many taking to Twitter and Instagram to assure Gigi that she was 'not welcome' to China in November. It comes months after the star was criticised for appearing to squint her eyes and mock a Buddah biscuit in a Snapchat back in February.

While Gigi never publicly addressed the backlash, it would appear that many haven't forgotten and they are eager to let her know it.

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Over on Instagram, Gigi was inundated with snake and chicken emojis - the latter supposedly symbolises the same thing in China, according to BuzzFeed - and following the backlash she decided to deactivate the comments on her Instagram post celebrating her VS return.

It's not the first time the star has been accused of being racially insensitive. In a segment during the American Music Awards last year, Gigi impersonated First Lady Melania Trump and was chastised for mocking her accent.

Gigi posted an open apology afterwards, writing: 'I was honoured to host the AMAs last night and to work with some of the most respected writers in the business. I removed or changed anything in the script that I felt took the joke too far, and whether or not you choose to see it, what remained was done in good humour and with no bad intent.

'I believe Melania understands show business and the way shows are written and run. I apologise to anyone that I offended and have only the best wishes for our country.'

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