While co-hosting the American Music Awards over the weekend, Gigi Hadid’s impression of future First Lady Melania Trump generated criticism, with some Twitter users branding her impersonation ‘disrespectful’ and even ‘racist.’ Now, the model has issued an apology, explaining that the skit was ‘done in good humour and with no bad intent.’
‘I was honoured to host the AMA’s last night and to work with some of the most respected writers in the business,’ Gigi stated in a handwritten note posted to her Twitter account. ‘ 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 humour and with no bad intent.’
I too have been the centre of a nationally televised comedy skit that poked fun at my actions, and was able to find the humour in it,’ she said, adding ‘I believe Melania understands showbusiness and the way shows are written and run.’
She concluded, ‘I apologise to anyone that I offended and have only the best wishes for our country,’ before signing off ‘respectfully, Gigi.’
As part of her impression, the model claimed to ‘get the face right’ by pouting her lips and narrowing her eyes, before alluding to Melania’s Republican National Convention speech, which appeared to lift parts of a speech previously delivered by the current First Lady Michelle Obama.