Supermodel Bella Hadid recently opened up to fans about her emotional experience at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, clarifying that her perceived low energy stemmed from a combination of her period and ongoing recovery from a severe Lyme disease hospitalization, all while delivering a heartfelt apology for any disappointment.
The fashion world was abuzz following the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15, 2025, but it was Bella Hadid’s performance that truly captivated — and concerned — her dedicated fan base. After the show, a viral TikTok video highlighted perceived low energy from the supermodel, prompting a remarkably candid response directly from Hadid herself.
Her explanation resonated deeply, revealing the often-invisible struggles behind the glamour. Hadid shared that she was battling both a recent Lyme disease hospitalization and her menstrual cycle, impacting her stamina during the high-stakes event. This honest dialogue has sparked widespread admiration and underscored her resilience in the face of chronic illness.
The Viral Moment: Fan Concern and Bella’s Candid Reply
The incident began with a fan’s TikTok video expressing concern for Hadid’s well-being during her runway walk. The video, which quickly went viral, featured the fan asking, “Bella Hadid, what the f— wrong with you,” noting that the model appeared as if she was going to “cry the whole show.” This raw observation resonated with many, leading to a flood of comments.
In a rare move, Bella Hadid directly responded to the concerned fan on TikTok. Her comment was disarmingly open: “girl i got my period that morning and my stamina is not up yet after the whole hospital sitch, but i tried my best and i loveeee you for this i ’m ok i swear.” She followed this with a heartfelt apology, stating, “I’m sorry if i let u down. Love you i mean it.” Her comment garnered over 117,000 views, becoming a moment of genuine connection between the supermodel and her audience.
Bella Hadid/TikTok
The viral TikTok comment where Bella Hadid candidly explained her performance to a concerned fan.
The Invisible Battle: Living with Lyme Disease
Bella Hadid’s health struggles are not new to her fans. Diagnosed with Lyme disease at age 16, she has openly discussed the challenges of living with this “invisible disability.” Her recent hospitalization in September 2025 for complications related to chronic neurological Lyme disease was a significant setback.
Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, who also battles Lyme disease, shared emotional updates on Instagram, expressing her pain at watching her daughter suffer. Photos showed Bella in a hospital bed, attached to tubes, vividly illustrating the severity of her condition. As Yolanda Hadid stated, “The invisible disability of chronic neurological Lyme disease is hard to explain or understand for anyone.” Details of her hospitalization and recovery were reported by People.
Despite the challenges, Bella’s determination to return to the runway was evident. Just a week after her hospitalization, on September 24, she was seen in Paris. She posted on her Instagram Stories about her “first day in the gym in a long time,” focusing on “getting my stamina back” by walking on a treadmill. Her mother proudly reshared this, emphasizing “One day at a time.”
On September 29, Hadid made her official return to the catwalk, walking for Saint Laurent during Paris Fashion Week. This significant step marked her first runway appearance since her health scare, as detailed by People. Her rapid progression from a hospital bed to the fashion capitals of the world highlighted her immense dedication.
Victoria’s Secret Comeback: Poise Under Pressure
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15 in New York City’s Brooklyn Navy Yard was Hadid’s major U.S. return. She performed two stunning outfit changes, one of which included a silver fringe one-piece complemented by massive angel wings. She later revealed on Instagram that these striking wings weighed a staggering 50 pounds. “Closing the show in these wings Heavy or not… your girl will always keep walkin’ the walk ! Never gets old walking this runway… Thank you for the most beautiful look I’ve ever seen,” she posted on Instagram.
Her performance, even with the internal struggles she later revealed, drew immense praise. Fans lauded her for her determination and poise, cementing her status as a “real angel” for showing up and delivering despite her ongoing recovery. The show itself featured a mix of returning icons like Adriana Lima and Gigi Hadid, alongside new faces such as Barbie Ferreira and Emily Ratajkowski, signaling a new era for the brand.
Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty
Bella Hadid closing the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, notably wearing 50-pound angel wings.
A New Era for Victoria’s Secret and Model Vulnerability
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show aimed for a fresh perspective, balancing brand icons with a look towards the future. Executive Creative Director Adam Selman acknowledged on The Run-Through with Vogue podcast that such a shift would inevitably lead to varied reactions, stating, “Some people are not going to be happy, right? There’s no way to make everybody happy with this show and I’m at peace with that.”
In this evolving landscape, Bella Hadid’s decision to share her personal health struggles publicly aligns with a broader industry shift towards authenticity and vulnerability. Her openness serves as an inspiration, particularly to those within the fan community who deeply appreciate her commitment to transparency. It reinforces that even supermodels face profound personal battles, making her triumphs on the runway all the more powerful.
