Bella Hadid has broken her silence about the runway moment that had fans worried earlier this week.
The supermodel, 29, who has publicly battled chronic Lyme disease, walked the Victoria’s Secret runway in what many described as a “dizzy” and nearly fainting performance while carrying massive 50-pound wings.
Fans immediately noticed her struggle, sharing observations online. “You can tell in her face.
She looks a little stiff here,” one viewer commented. “And look how she’s trying to play with her shoulders to keep those wings on.
She’s still killing it though.” Despite the challenge, Hadid completed the walk, which was part of a stunning all-white and silver ensemble with a fitted corset top and pleated skirt.
Social Media Flooded With Concern
The clips of Hadid quickly sparked concern across social media, especially given her recent hospitalization.
Many fans worried about the physical toll the heavy wings had on the model. “She was literally just hospitalized. I don’t know why they pushed her that much,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “Those wings are heavy asf and she’s also really sick. Still ate tho.”
Discussions spilled onto Reddit, where users debated the show’s physical demands and questioned whether the producers should have adjusted the props for her recovery status.
“If Bella wasn’t feeling well that day and couldn’t walk properly, they should have given the wings to another girl,” one commenter suggested.
Hadid herself briefly responded on Instagram in a now-deleted post: “Ok we’re not going to pretend these wings weren’t 50 pounds but HOW BEAUTIFUL,” reminding fans of the challenge while keeping her focus on the artistry of the show.
Returning From Treatment Abroad
Hadid’s runway appearance came shortly after a trip to Germany, where she received treatment for chronic neurological Lyme disease at the St George Hospital near Munich.
Last month, she shared raw images from her hospital stay, showing herself hooked up to IVs and oxygen tubes, alongside a heartfelt apology for being “MIA” to her 61 million Instagram followers.
A source told the Daily Mail that during recovery periods, Hadid often retreats from public life.
“Bella is as functional as she can be, but there’s always room for improvement,” the insider said. “When things get bad, she retreats. Her batteries seem to recharge when she’s alone.”
Open About Chronic Lyme and Mental Health
Lyme disease has caused Hadid neurological symptoms such as headaches, brain fog, light and sound s
nsitivity, inflammation, and numbness. She has also been candid about her mental health, sharing experiences with depression and anxiety.
On World Mental Health Day, she posted a message about the silent struggle of anxiety: “Hi. Sorry I haven’t texted you back,” capturing the daily battles that often go unseen.
Last week, she reflected on Instagram about the weight of these struggles: “The weight of anxiety and depression can sometimes feel all-consuming, paralyzing, and invisible to the outside world,” she wrote.
“Over the years, I’ve learned that this is not a weakness — it’s a part of me.
My sensitivity, my awareness, my empathy… in many ways, it can be a superpower.”
Support System and Personal Reset
Hadid credits her close family and boyfriend Adan Banuelos, a 36-year-old rodeo star, for helping her maintain stability and positivity.
The couple began dating in late 2023 after Hadid relocated to Texas, a move she described as both romantic and personal.
“After 10 years of modeling, I realized I was putting so much energy and love and effort into something that, in the long run, wasn’t necessarily giving it back to me,” she told Allure in 2024.
“If I don’t feel good, I take time for myself… for the first time now, I’m not putting on a fake face. Now when anybody sees me in pictures and they say I look happy, I genuinely am. My bad days now were my old good days.”