Gigi Hadid posted a note on Monday (July 5) asking the paparazzi, press and fan accounts to refrain from posting pictures of her daughter with Zayn Malik. The emotional note from the internationally famous model who knows all about being in the public eye was an impassioned plea to blur out images of the couple’s firstborn, Khai, who arrived in September.
So far, Hadid has posted a few pictures of their baby girl, but has not yet revealed her face, and wrote that the couple would like to keep it that way. “As our baby grows up we have to realize that we can’t protect her from everything the way we wanted to and could when she was smaller,” began the note. “She loves seeing the world! and although she gets a lot of that out near the farm, she also gets to experience other places — a true blessing.”
Hadid described how on their recent visits to New York City, the baby has wanted the sun shade on her stroller to be lifted up just like it is at home. So the little one lifted it herself, not realizing why she’s covered up in the city, or what Hadid has been trying to protect her from.
“I also want her to see the most amazing city in the world + the beautiful and diverse people that walk down the streets of NYC… that is, without the stress of the media circus that comes with parents who are public figures,” Hadid continued. “I know the laws change State to State, and I’ve seen some paparazzi photos of kids in NYC with their faces blurred — but, from asking around, I believe that comes down to the integrity of the photographer, publications, or fans sharing the images. I write this all to say: to the Paparazzi, press, and beloved fan accounts, you know we have never intentionally shared our daughters face on social media. Our wish is that she can choose how to share herself with the world when she comes of age, and that she can live as normal of a childhood as possible, without worrying about a public image that she has not chosen.”
Hadid said it would “mean the world” to the couple if they were able to explore New York (and the world) with Khai and have the child’s face blurred-out in any photos taken of the family. “I know it’s an extra effort — but as a new mom, I just want the best for my baby, as all parents do… and I hope this can continue the conversation to protect minors in the media, even if they come from a public family,” she wrote, adding a thank you to the paparazzi who have been respectful so far as she stepped out with Khai in the city.
“For a child, I can imagine that close or dramatic paparazzi frenzies must be overwhelming and disorienting… it still is as an adult that understands and deals with it often,” Hadid concluded.
See Hadid’s note below.
