Gigi Hadid Defends Her Figure on Instagram: "If I Didn't Have the Body I Do, I Wouldn't Have the Career I Do"

"Yes, I have boobs, I have abs, I have a butt, I have thighs, but I'm not asking for special treatment," the model writes on Instagram

By Zach Johnson Sep 28, 2015 1:25 PMTags
Gigi Hadid, Milan Fashion WeekAntonio de Moraes Barros Filho/WireImage

Gigi Hadid is more than just a pretty face.

Ahead of Paris Fashion Week, the 20-year-old supermodel took to Instagram Monday to defend herself against people who have body-shamed her online. "So many people are so quick to comment negative opinions this month. Yes, judgment on social media comes from people who, 99% of the time, have no idea what they're talking about, but I'm human, and I'm not going to lie, I did let the negativity get to me a little," the blond bombshell wrote in an open letter. "I came to a realization that when one gets to this point, it's important to rethink why you're doing what you do. What your message is. What you have to say."

Hadid, who signed with IMG Models as a high school student in 2011, explained that she represents a different kind of woman when she's modeling on runways and in magazines. "No, I don't have the same body type as other models in shows. No, I don't think I'm the best at any given shows. Yes, I want to have a unique walk but I also know I have to improve. No, I'm not the first or the last model of my type in this industry," she continued. "You can make up all the reasons you think I am where I am, but really, I'm a hard worker that's confident in myself, one that came at a time where the fashion industry was ready for a change."

The time has come to end cyber bullying, Hadid said.

"I'm just doing my job. I represent a body image that wasn't accepted in high-fashion before, and I'm very lucky to be supported by the designers, stylists, and editors that I am: ones that know this is fashion, it's art; it can never stay the same. It's 2015. But if you're not one of those people, don't take your anger out on me," said Hadid, who is the face of Maybelline. "Yes, I have boobs, I have abs, I have a butt, I have thighs, but I'm not asking for special treatment. I'm fitting into the sample sizes. Your mean comments don't make me want to change my body, they don't make me want to say no to designers that ask me to be in their shows, and they definitely don't change the designers opinions of me. If they want me in their show, I'm in it; if they don't, I'm not. That's just how it is and how it will be."

Watch: What Is Gigi Hadid's Fitness Obsession?

"If you don't like it, don't follow me, don't watch me, cause I'm not going anywhere. If I didn't have the body I do, I wouldn't have the career I do," Hadid continued. "I love that I can be sexy. I'm proud of it."

Hadid ended her Instagram message on a positive note, telling her followers, "I've said it before... I hope everyone gets to a place in their life where they'd rather talk about the things that inspire them over the things that bring others down. At least be open if not part of the change, but it's undeniably happening. Happy PFW xx G."