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Gigi Hadid Defends Herself From Critics Claiming She’s Only Famous Because Of Social Media

By Eunice Alcala
Published on: 15:24 PST, Sep 11, 2016

Gigi Hadid has defended herself from critics claiming that her popularity was only because of social media. When asked on The View about the supermodels who have said that she “didn’t have to work as hard,” the 21-year-old told the show that many people haven’t had the chance to get to know her.

“I mean, a lot of them haven’t met me or haven’t spoken to me or spoken to the people that I work with so are therefore judging me for a tool that I think would be dumb not to use.”

Gigi added that her guiding principle is to remain grounded.

“I think social media has been given to our generation to make us a different generation of models. I think if you talk to the designers I work with they all know I work really hard and I always say be kind, work hard, make a friend when I’m on set.”

Gigi Hadid for Tommy
[Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images]

Hadid has always been vocal about her fascination for social media. Earlier this year, Hadid told Mashable that she’s grateful that social media has taken the “dumb model stereotype” away. People now have the opportunity to see how a particular model lives when she isn’t on the runway.”

“We’ve just been given a gift as a generation of being able to show our own personality and have so much control over the person we are to the public and not just being a face on a page.”

Her comments came following former model Rebecca Romijn’s statement that social media stars are not “true supermodels.” She added that many “legitimate fashion people” can’t stand the trend because they believe that the number of followers does not always equate to being bankable.

Romijn said that some fashion magazine these days are disappointing for being caught in this trend – for allowing social media stars to set everyone else’s style standards.

Yolanda Hadid came to her daughter’s defense.

Romijn then clarified that her statements weren’t for Hadid and Kendall Jenner.

Recently, model Carol Alt slammed Hadid and Jenner because things are “way too easy” for them. The former Sports Illustrated model said that they were only famous because of their mothers’ reality shows.

As if the two’s list of critics isn’t lengthy enough, model Stephanie Seymour branded them as “b*****s of the moment” in an interview with Vanity Fair. While she acknowledged that Jenner and Hadid are beautiful, she said they should create their own titles because their success wouldn’t measure to the accomplishments of former supermodels.

Hadid’s mother again defended the two. “It’s sad to see some of these beautiful semi-retired supermodels, who are mothers themselves now, feel the need to publicly put down someone else’s daughter,” she told TMZ.

Regardless of her critics, the Victoria’s Secret model is thankful that other pillars in the industry continue to support her. She cites Naomi Campbell as an example who even invited her to a hotel just so they could practice walks before the VS Fashion Show.

Tommy Hilfiger believes Hadid is a great fit for his brand because despite her incredible fan base, she continues to stand for “great American values.”

During her television interview, she was likewise asked how she handles her success. She emphasized the significance of taking care of one’s mental health.

“I just take it day-by-day. As all of you guys know, it’s a lot but I think that it’s really important to know yourself and know when you’re pushing yourself too hard and be honest with your team. Have people that support you and know that your mental health is just as important as your physical and that’s what I try and focus on.”

What do you think of those saying Hadid is only popular because of social media?

[Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Tommy Hilfiger]

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