Supermodel Bella Hadid opened up about the challenges she faced during the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, attributing her perceived low energy to a recent hospitalization for Lyme disease complications, an unexpected menstrual cycle, and the immense weight of her runway attire, reassuring fans of her health and dedication.
The runway is often seen as a place of effortless glamour, but for supermodel Bella Hadid, her appearance at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15 was a testament to sheer resilience. Following the highly anticipated event, a viral TikTok video sparked a wave of concern among fans, questioning Hadid’s demeanor and apparent low energy. In a candid response that resonated deeply with her audience, the 29-year-old model bravely pulled back the curtain on her private health struggles, offering a powerful message of vulnerability and strength.
The Viral Moment and Bella’s Honest Revelation
A fan’s TikTok video, asking “Bella Hadid, what the f— wrong with you?” and noting she “look like she was finna cry the whole show,” quickly gained traction. The video highlighted Hadid’s unsteady gait and repeated glances down at the runway, fueling speculation about her well-being. Rather than shying away, Hadid directly addressed the concerns in a heartfelt comment on the video.
“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,” Hadid wrote. She also issued a sincere apology: “I’m sorry if I let u down. Love you I mean it.” This level of transparency instantly transformed a moment of public scrutiny into a powerful connection with her fanbase, who appreciated her honesty.
Battling Chronic Lyme Disease: A Journey of Invisible Struggles
Hadid’s explanation wasn’t a standalone revelation; it was deeply rooted in her long-standing battle with Lyme disease, an invisible disability she was diagnosed with at the age of 16. Just a month prior to the Victoria’s Secret show, Hadid had been hospitalized due to complications from the chronic neurological condition. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, who also suffers from Lyme disease, shared poignant updates on Instagram during Bella’s September hospitalization.
“The invisible disability of chronic neurological lyme disease is hard to explain or understand for anyone,” Yolanda wrote, expressing the profound pain of watching her child suffer. These personal insights underscore the significant physical and emotional toll the disease takes, often making everyday tasks, let alone high-stakes runway performances, incredibly challenging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease can cause a wide range of symptoms affecting joints, the heart, and the nervous system, with some patients experiencing persistent symptoms even after treatment. CDC.gov outlines the complex nature of the disease, which Bella has openly discussed for years, making her recent health setback particularly impactful.
The Weight of Expectations and 50-Pound Wings
Beyond her health, Hadid also pointed to another significant factor impacting her performance: the elaborate, weighty ensembles she wore, particularly the iconic Victoria’s Secret “angel wings.” Closing the show, Bella donned a silver fringe one-piece paired with massive, artisan-crafted wings that she later revealed weighed a staggering 50 pounds. “OK we’re not going to pretend these wings weren’t 50 pounds but how beautiful,” she noted on her Instagram Story.
Walking the runway in such heavy attire requires immense physical exertion and stamina, even for a seasoned model in peak health. Hadid’s determination to “always keep walkin’ the walk,” despite the physical burden and her recent hospitalization, highlighted her unwavering commitment to her craft and to the highly anticipated return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The 2025 event, held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City, marked a significant moment for the brand, featuring both returning icons like Adriana Lima and fresh faces such as Barbie Ferreira, as noted by Parade.
A Journey Back to the Spotlight
Hadid’s Victoria’s Secret appearance was her second major runway show since her September hospitalization. Just days after her medical setback, she made a powerful return to Paris Fashion Week, walking in the Saint Laurent show on September 29. This followed an Instagram story where she shared her “first day in the gym in a long time,” cautiously rebuilding her stamina with a simple walk on the treadmill. Her sister, Gigi Hadid, expressed public support and pride, sharing moments of the sisters resting and celebrating after the demanding event, reinforcing the emotional and physical toll the return took.
The outpouring of concern from fans and Bella’s subsequent transparency created a poignant narrative around her comeback. It transformed her appearance from a simple fashion moment into a powerful statement on invisible illness, the pressures of the industry, and the strength it takes to persevere. Her willingness to share her vulnerabilities has further solidified her connection with a global audience who admire her authenticity as much as her runway presence.
