Gigi Hadid has apologised via Weibo for her ‘racist’ buddha video, but critics are claiming that it’s not enough.
Earlier this year, Hadid came under fire for a video in which she squinted next to a cookie with a buddha face on it. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. actress Chloe Bennet called the model “ignorant” for her actions.
The 22-year-old model recently attracted attention after announcing she would be returning to Victoria Secret’s 2017 fashion show in Shanghai. After making the announcement, many responded by saying she was not “welcome” in China, citing her racist buddha video.
Hadid apologised to one Chinese fan saying she has nothing but “appreciation and respect” for her Asian fans. “The photo that was taken from the video was taken out of context and attached to a headline to make it something that it definitely wasn’t,” Hadid wrote in a direct message.
Digital Spy reports that Hadid has since issued an apology on Chinese social media site Weibo. Written in English and Mandarin, Hadid claimed she never intended to offend anyone.
“It hurts me to hurt anyone, and I want you all to know that it was never my intent to offend anyone through my actions and I sincerely apologise to those who were hurt or felt let down by me,” she said.
“I have the utmost respect and love for the people of China and cherish the incredible memories I have made while visiting in the past.”
However, the apology has not gone down well with critics with many calling out the model for not apologising on a wider scale.
“How about you issue your apology on another1 of your social accounts other than Weibo? [sic]” one user asked.
“And if she really feel sorry about what she did for Asian before, she need post her apology on INS&TWI&FB by HERSELF,” another said.
One simply said the controversy will not be settled until she apologises on other social media platforms. “You’d better make an apology on Twitter and Instagram,other wise this will never be over #gigiracist #gigiisoverparty,” the user wrote.
@GiGiHadid how about you issue your apology on another1 of your social accounts other than Weibo?
— TruthHurts123 (@TruthHurts1233) September 4, 2017
IM DEAAADDD @LisaFrank can't wait !!!!!!! @ReebokClassics https://t.co/YZALyJl3iS
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) September 2, 2017
Your apology only posted on Chinese social media is so fake that we refuse to accept ，i think you should behave your apology properly！！
— Arya (@AryaDing) September 2, 2017
It's impossible to enter China with an apology being late so long only on Chinese social media. How about Instagram&Twitter? pic.twitter.com/fUZ7dAFc8h
— RubyYoung (@moirayangrb) September 2, 2017
@VictoriasSecret @Ed_Razek @GiGiHadid This's called a proper sincere apology. Apologize after 6months of ur racist action?No ones buying it
— Angela Liu (@Angela_Liu_K) September 2, 2017
