Supermodel Bella Hadid recently opened up about the personal health challenges behind her much-discussed appearance at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, offering fans a candid glimpse into her ongoing battle with Lyme disease and its impact on her performance.
The highly anticipated 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15 saw the return of iconic supermodel Bella Hadid to the runway. However, her appearance sparked significant concern among fans, who noted she seemed visibly “off” during the event. Social media was abuzz with comments and questions regarding her well-being, leading Hadid to share a deeply personal health update.
Fans specifically pointed to moments where the 29-year-old model appeared unsteady on her feet and repeatedly looked down at the runway, with one TikTok user posting a video asking, “Bella Hadid, what the f— wrong with you? What we gotta do?” This outpouring of public concern prompted Hadid to offer a relatable and honest explanation for her demeanor.
Bella’s Candid Revelation: Period and Post-Hospitalization Stamina
Responding directly to the fan’s TikTok video on October 21, Bella Hadid revealed the twin factors contributing to her struggles on the runway. “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 commented. She further added, “I’m sorry if I let u down 😭😭 Love you I mean it 🥹💕‼️‼️‼” This candid admission immediately resonated with many, highlighting the often-unseen challenges models face while performing under immense pressure.
Initially, Hadid had jested about the elaborate nature of her runway ensembles, one of which featured massive white wings, noting on her Instagram story, “ok we’re not going to pretend these wings weren’t 50 pounds but how beautiful.” However, her later clarification underscored that her physical state, rather than just the heavy outfits, was the primary factor impacting her performance.
A Decade-Long Battle: Bella Hadid and Lyme Disease
The “hospital sitch” Bella Hadid referred to was a recent hospitalization in September 2025 due to complications from Lyme disease. Hadid was first diagnosed with the neurological disorder in 2012, a condition she has openly discussed as a source of “invisible suffering” throughout her life, as reported by USA TODAY.
Her mother, former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Yolanda Hadid, who also lives with Lyme disease, shared her anguish over Bella’s struggles. “As you will understand, watching my bella struggle in silence has cut the deepest core of hopelessness inside me,” Yolanda wrote on Instagram in September 2025. She emphasized the difficulty of explaining the “invisible disability of chronic neurological lyme disease” to others, acknowledging that her own pain could not compare to watching her daughter suffer.
The Broader Impact of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, caused by borrelia bacteria and typically contracted from tick bites, can lead to a range of symptoms from skin rashes to neurological, cardiac, and rheumatological complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that ticks need to be attached for at least 24 hours to transmit the bacteria, though transmission from mother to fetus is extremely rare.
The Hadid family has been vocal about their collective experience with the illness, with Bella’s brother, Anwar Hadid, also battling the condition. This shared struggle has amplified their advocacy for awareness and research into Lyme disease. Bella herself has previously documented her health journey on Instagram, including a series of photos in August 2023 showing her receiving treatment, describing her long recovery as “100+ days of treatment, almost 15 years of invisible suffering.”
Just days after her September hospitalization, Bella informed her fans that she had returned to work, despite feeling it might be “a bit too soon.” Her statement, “never one to bail on a commitment,” underscores her unwavering dedication even when facing significant health hurdles.
Fan Connection and the Power of Vulnerability
Bella Hadid’s decision to be transparent about her health challenges, particularly on a public platform like TikTok, has deeply resonated with her fanbase. This raw vulnerability creates a powerful connection, allowing fans to see beyond the glamorous facade of supermodeling to the human experiences beneath. Her honesty helps normalize discussions around women’s health and chronic illnesses, topics often overlooked in the high-stakes world of fashion.
The swift and concerned reaction from fans, followed by Bella’s direct engagement, exemplifies the strong community and empathy that can form between public figures and their audience. This interaction transforms a moment of perceived weakness into an act of strength and shared understanding.
Looking Ahead: Bella’s Commitment and Resilience
Despite the physical toll of her health conditions, Bella Hadid continues to demonstrate immense resilience. Her return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show so soon after hospitalization, coupled with her commitment to her professional obligations, speaks volumes about her determination.
Fans worldwide continue to offer their support, cherishing Bella’s honesty and her journey as a “Lyme warrior.” Her openness serves as an inspiration, reminding everyone that even in the brightest spotlights, individuals navigate personal battles with strength and grace. Her September Instagram post, which included photos of her hooked up to IVs during her hospital stay, captured the difficult reality of her health struggles. You can see these poignant images on her official Instagram account.
