Bella Hadid Explains Why She Was “Struggling” at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show — and It Wasn’t What Fans Thought
Bella Hadid has never been one to shy away from honesty, and her recent revelation about the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show proves just that. After fans expressed concern over her noticeably slower walk and visibly strained demeanor during the show’s closing moments, the model took to Instagram to clear the air — revealing that what looked like exhaustion or sadness was actually the physical toll of carrying an unexpectedly heavy pair of angel wings.
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has long been known for its elaborate costumes and dazzling performances, but for Bella, this year’s return to the runway came with a personal challenge. In a series of candid Instagram Stories, she explained that the ornate wings she wore were far heavier than they appeared. “They were absolutely stunning,” she wrote, “but they weighed so much that every step felt like I was pulling against gravity.” The post was accompanied by behind-the-scenes photos showing her team adjusting the massive white feathered structure before she took the stage.
Fans had flooded social media with messages of concern after noticing her pace on the runway. Some speculated she was emotional or unwell, referencing her past battles with Lyme disease and periods of physical exhaustion that she’s spoken about openly in the past. Others felt something seemed “off” compared to her usual confident, effortless stride. But Bella’s explanation turned out to be both simple and revealing — a reminder that even the most glamorous moments can come with unseen challenges.
In her Instagram update, Bella emphasized that she wasn’t upset, just doing her best under tough conditions. “I wanted to give it my all,” she wrote, “but by the end, my back and shoulders were on fire. The wings were beautiful, but they were built like armor.” She also thanked her fans for their concern and said the support meant the world to her. “I love you guys for noticing. You always see me — not just the makeup or the dress, but me.”
The moment struck a chord with many who admire Bella for her openness about the pressures of modeling. Over the years, she’s spoken candidly about the toll of maintaining perfection in an industry that often demands it. From her early struggles with Lyme disease to her break from fashion in 2023 to focus on health, Bella’s story has always carried a message of resilience. Seeing her return to such a high-profile event was a full-circle moment for fans — and her willingness to share the reality behind the spectacle made it even more powerful.
Those who worked backstage confirmed her experience. One stylist from the show told the New York Post that Bella’s wings weighed more than 40 pounds — a detail that made her graceful composure even more impressive. “She didn’t complain once,” the source said. “She just smiled and did what she always does — she made it look effortless.”
In an industry built on illusion, Bella’s honesty reminded fans that beauty and strength often coexist with discomfort. Her runway walk may have seemed slower than usual, but in many ways, it was her most human and empowering moment yet — a testament to perseverance, professionalism, and grace under literal weight.
As clips of her walk continue to circulate online, the tone of the conversation has shifted from concern to admiration. What started as worry has turned into appreciation for a model who continues to redefine what authenticity looks like in fashion. Bella summed it up best in her own words: “Sometimes the wings are heavier than they look — but that doesn’t mean you can’t still fly.”
