Gigi Hadid Draws Backlash For Squinting Her Eyes To Look Like The Buddha

Victoria's Secret model Gigi Hadid draws backlash from netizens due to her actions on a now-deleted video posted by her sister Bella. In the clip, Hadid was seen squinting her eyes to imitate a Buddha cookie. Fans then reacted to the said video, accusing the model of being a racist. Here are some of what the commenters wrote:

Meanwhile, Hadid's beau, Zayn Malik, was quick to defend the model, emphasizing that she "likes Asians." He added in a tweet, "People's nerve to call me ignorant, when any chance they get I'm a terrorist!! to be a racist goes against my very existence.." He also stressed, "So please don't try to educate me."

This was not the first time that Hadid came under fire for exhibiting actions that are considered to be racist. According to a report from MailOnline, her fans were upset when she donned an aquamarine Afro on the cover of Vogue Italia. She also drew controversy when she walked for Marc Jacobs last year, along with Bella and Kendall Jenner, wearing pastel dreadlocks.

At the 2016 American Music Awards, she spoofed Melanie Trump in her opening monologue, which did not go well with Trump supporters. She explained her side through a written statement: "I was honored to host the AMAs last night and to work with some of the most respected writers in the business. I removed or changed anything in the script that I felt took the joke too far, and whether or not you choose to see it, what remained was done in good humor and with no bad intent."

She further noted, "I too have been the center of a nationally televised comedy skit that poked fun at my actions, and was able to find the humor in it. I believe Melania understands show business and the way shows are written and run. I apologize to anyone that I offended, and have only the best wishes for our country. Respectfully, G."

As of this writing, Hadid has yet to release a statement regarding the issue.