Bella Hadid: I’m a proud Muslim
Bella Hadid is "proud to be a Muslim".
The 20-year-old model – whose father Mohamed Hadid moved to America as a 14-year-old refugee – has revealed the pride she takes in her religion, after US President Donald Trump unsuccessfully tried to impose a travel ban that focused on six Muslim-majority countries.
Bella – whose sister is Gigi Hadid and whose brother, Anwar, is also a model – told the summer issue of Net-a-Porter magazine: "My dad was a refugee when he first came to America, so it’s actually very close to home for my sister and brother and me.
"He was always religious, and he always prayed with us. I am proud to be a Muslim."
Bella and Gigi, 21, were both seen at a protest against the travel ban in January in New York City and the dark-haired beauty has previously spoken out on the immigration issue.
She said: "We shouldn’t treat people as if they don’t deserve kindness just because of their ethnicities.
"It’s just not right. And that message – to be compassionate whenever possible – that’s so important to me."
However, Gigi – who is not a practising Muslim – stirred significant controversy last month when she appeared on the inaugural cover of Vogue Arabia in a custom-made jewelled veil.
The blonde beauty defended her appearance on the magazine cover, saying it represented a celebration of "different cultures".
She wrote on Instagram: "I think the beautiful thing about there being international Vogue’s is that, as a fashion community, we are able to celebrate, and share with the world, different cultures.
"Being half-Palestinian, it means the world to me to be on the first-ever cover(s) of @voguearabia, and I hope that this magazine will show another layer of the fashion industry’s desire to continue to accept, celebrate, and incorporate all people & customs and make everyone feel like they have fashion images and moments they can relate to… & learn and grow in doing so. (sic)"
