BELLA Hadid has been forced to apologise after she posted a “racist” picture of what appeared to be her kicking planes with Saudi and UAE flags on.
The model, 22, posted the snap to her Instagram story from an airport, with her leg up in the air in front of a viewing area window.
But many social media users have attacked Hadid for “kicking” the planes and have started the hashtag #BellaHadidIsRacist.
She recently walked in the Milan Men’s Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020 Versace runway show and was pictured arriving at JFK airport in New York on Sunday.
But her attempt to publicise her chill time in the airport went awry when she was accused of racism.
Hadid’s father is Palestinian, but she insisted there was nothing political about her post.
Hadid posted a lengthy apology in English and Arabic to her Instagram story last night, insisting she didn’t mean to insult anyone and the photo wasn’t politically motivated.
To feel as if I have disappointed you is what hurts me the most
Bella Hadid
She said: “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.
“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.”
The model added she “would never want my posts or platform to be used for hate against anyone, especially those of my own beautiful & powerful heritage”
And she concluded: “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.”
She also posted on Twitter writing: “This was an honest mistake on an early morning… never, ever would I intentionally try to offend anyone like that. I am so sorry.”
The model’s critics took to Twitter under the hashtag #BellaHadidIsRacist to call for a boycott of the model and the brands she works for.
Aisha wrote: “don’t play with us again sweetie.
“We don’t care if u did it by mistake or not but u are famous u should to be more carefully.”
While another Twitter user wrote: “It’s such a funny thing how her family defend her like we’re all are bullies when she is actually being racist and insulting KSA & UAE in public using the fact that she’s famous shame on you Bella!!”
Alanfal tweeted: “Bella Hadid you are a Palestinian giving up your country and your humanity first for the dollar, so stop spreading hatred by insulting Saudi Arabia and the UAE”.
And Lama wrote: “It’s your second mistake & second apology! If you really thinks that what have you did is wrong why you did it again?
“I’m sure you apologise to because Dior deleted their last posts of you, and you’re afraid of more losses. Poor Bella!”
This isn’t the first time Hadid has landed in hot water for her behaviour.
Recently Calvin Klein was forced to apologise to the LGBT community for “queer baiting” when it created an ad featuring Bella Hadid kissing a female robot.
She was also accused of racism last year for saying the ‘N’ word while singing along to a Lil Wayne song at Coachella Festival.
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