Controversy erupts over two new Victoria’s Secret angels
New Victoria's Secret models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner fight accusations that their runway success is built on family connections
The Victoria's Secret (VS) Fashion Show is one of the highlights of any model's career.
But two of the newest additions to the show have been slammed for being undeserving of a spot on the runway because of their family connections.
Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, both 20, were part of the show which was taped on Tuesday in New York City.
It had 47 models from countries such as Russia, Portugal, Netherlands and Belgium. Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, who are best friends, were among the 13 first-timers.
They have a combined Instagram following of 49.2 million.
Gigi Hadid is the stepdaughter of acclaimed music producer David Foster.
Kendall Jenner is the daughter of Bruce (now Caitlyn) and Kris Jenner and her half-sisters are Kourtney, Kim and Khloe Kardashian, of Keeping Up With The Kardashians fame.
Kendall Jenner was criticised when she made her runway debut in 2014 at the Marc Jacobs show. After the show, model Arisce Wanzer wrote an open letter to her saying she did not have to work hard to get where she is today.
Wanzer had said: "Dear Kendall, take a moment and remove yourself from your current situation, if you can, to a life that isn't riddled with excess and only hearing the word 'yes' to your wants and requests.
"Isn't that a reality TV star over there in hair and make-up? Yea, that's definitely a Kardashian or something."
FIGHTING BACK
Some Twitter users were similarly outraged over Jenner's involvement in this year's VS show.
One tweet said: "If Kendall Jenner becomes a Victoria's Secret angel I will be so done with Victoria's Secret. She don't (sic) deserve it!"
Gigi Hadid was derided for her modelling career because of her family background.
Her mother is Yolanda Foster, who is on the reality TV show Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and her stepfather is David Foster. Her biological father is Mohamed Hadid, a Palestinian-American real estate developer.
Gigi Hadid was body-shamed for being bustier and having wider hips on the runway.
She fought back in an Instagram post, saying: "I don't have the same body type as the other models in shows. You can make up all the reasons you think I am where I am, but really, I'm a hard worker that's (sic) confident in myself, one that came at a time where the fashion industry was ready for a change."
Tyra Banks, a former Angel, reposted the message, and said: "Your words are powerful. Your words are necessary. Your words are vulnerable. Your words are real.
"Sending you love and hugs. From one model that had curves and a unique walk to another, Tyra."
I don't have the same body type as the other models in shows. You can make up all the reasons you think I am where I am, but really, I'm a hard worker that's (sic) confident in myself.
- Gigi Hadid, who was body-shamed for being bustier and having wider hips than other models
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