Victoria’s Secret Model Nina Agdal on Body Shaming

The Victoria’s Secret model Nina Agdal allegedly accused an unnamed publication of an issue of body shaming. Her agent was sent an email from the magazine that the photo shoot needs to be cut because it “did not reflect well on the talent” and “did not fit their market”. Nina Agdal also claimed that the publisher said that she deviated from her portfolio and that apparently, she did not fit into the size samples.

In a long Instagram post, Nina expressed her disappointment at the harsh reality of the modeling industry.

She wrote:

“Shame on you and thank you to the publisher for reaffirming how important it is to live your truth and say it out loud, no matter who you are or what size. I decided to release an image to draw awareness and support of an issue that’s bigger than just myself and affects so many people not just in the fashion industry, but in general, with the goal of bringing women from all over together in a celebration of our bodies. Let’s find ways to build each other up instead of constantly finding ways to tear each other down.”

Nina had taken a break from the insensitive and unrealistic pressures of this industry for almost a year and has claimed that she needs it in order to deal with her anxiety issues. While the Instagram post has garnered over 3,000 supportive comments, the harsh reality of the modeling industry is still a prevalent issue and still remains unresolved.

Today, I’m disappointed and appalled at the still very harsh reality of this industry. A few months ago, I agreed to shoot with a creative team I believed in and was excited to collaborate with. When my agent received an unapologetic email concluding they would not run my cover/story because it “did not reflect well on my talent” and “did not fit their market,” the publisher claimed my look deviated from my portfolio and that I did not fit into the (sample size) samples, which is completely false. If anyone has any interest in me, they know I am not an average model body – I have an athletic build and healthy curves. After a tough year of taking a step back from the insensitive and unrealistic pressures of this industry and dealing with paralyzing social anxiety, I walked into that shoot as a 25 year old WOMAN feeling more comfortable in my own skin and healthier than ever before. Some days I’m a sample size, some days I’m a size 4, some a 6. I am not built as a runway model and have never been stick thin. Now more than ever, I embrace my curves and work diligently in the gym to stay strong and most of all, sane. I am proud to say that my body has evolved from when I started this crazy ride as a 16 year old GIRL with unhealthy and insufficient eating habits. So, shame on you and thank you to the publisher for reaffirming how important it is to live your truth and say it out loud, no matter who you are or what size. I decided to release an image to draw awareness and support of an issue that's bigger than just myself and affects so many people not just in the fashion industry, but in general, with the goal of bringing women from all over together in a celebration of our bodies. Let's find ways to build each other up instead of constantly finding ways to tear each other down. #bodyshaming #bodyimage #selfimage #dietculture #mybodymybusiness

A post shared by Nina Agdal (@ninaagdal) on Jan 12, 2018 at 9:30am PST

For the aspiring models out there, don’t let the overwhelming pressures of society’s body standards get in the way of your dreams. To each, their own and every beautiful model out there, and every person, in general, deserves a place in the limelight and the runway. Whether you are a plus-size model or a girl who is size zero and can fit almost any sample size, you are worthy and talented. The world just needs to see the truth that we need to build each other up, rather than constantly finding ways to tear each other down. More people need to learn to accept themselves and accepting other people in return.

While we’re obviously far off from a very fair industry that would respect everyone’s individual differences, we should start making every possible difference whenever we can. Support others as you would want them to support you! Help other people love their bodies no matter how big or small.