Top model Bella Hadid has been forced to apologise, after an Instagram story image spurned the hashtag #BellaHadidIsRacist.
The image in question featured Bella Hadid’s boot-clad foot pointing towards an airport window.
In the background are airplanes featuring the Saudi Arabian and UAE flags, leading Bella to be accused of disrespecting the flags by appearing to kick them.
After the hashtag gained traction on social media, Bella scripted a public apology, posting it to her 24.7 million followers.
“I never noticed the planes in the background and that is the truth. I would never mean to disrespect these airlines, let alone these amazing countries,’ she wrote.
“Not only do I have so much respect from the bottom of my heart, I have always tried to stand up for what I feel is right, especially regarding the great Middle East.”
“I have never and will never be the one to talk down on these countries… Only to spread love, and the true beauty of them, as the way I was taught by my Teta and my father.”
“To feel as if I have disappointed you is what hurts me the most.”
She concluded, saying: “I want to send a sincere apology to those who ever thought I would put blame on them, especially to Saudi Arabia and the UAE…”
“This was never the case, and I hope you can understand the misunderstanding.”
