Gigi Hadid has posted an apology after performing an impression of future First Lady Melania Trump during the American Music Awards on Sunday night.
While cohosting the awards show with SNL alum Jay Pharoah, Hadid affected an accent, pouted her lips, and said, “I love my husband, President Barack Obama, and our children, Sasha and Malia.”
The joke, which referenced Melania Trump’s plagiarism of Michelle Obama during her Republican National Convention speech, was criticized on social media, where many accused the supermodel of racism and bullying.
On Monday evening, Hadid shared a handwritten note on Twitter clarifying her intentions.
“I was honored to host the AMAs last night and to work with some of the most respected writers in the business,” Hadid wrote. “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. 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.”
See Hadid’s impression and apology below.
