Did Gigi Hadid go too far with her Melania Trump impression?

Sunday’s American Music Awards saw Chrissy Teigen reveal more than she bargained for, Selena Gomez make a powerful post-rehab speech and Gigi Hadid impersonate Melania Trump – over-inflated lips and all.

While hosting the awards, the 21-year-old model put on her best Eastern European accent and mocked the future First lady’s plagiarism of a Michelle Obama speech.

“I love my husband, President Barack Obama. And our children Sasha and Malia,” jeered Hadid. Rather than seeing the supposed humour, social media went wild calling Gigi ‘racist’ and ‘tasteless’.

Last night, Gigi released a handwritten statement on Twitter apologising for causing offence. It read:

“I was honoured to host the AMAs last night and to work with some of the most respected writers in the business. I removed or changed anything in the script that I felt took the joke too far, and whether or not you choose to see it, what remained was done in good humour with no bad intent.”

“I too have been the centre of a nationally televised comedy skit that poked fun at my actions and was able to find the humour in it. I believe Melania understands show business and the way shows are written and run. I apologise to anyone that I offended and have only the best wishes for our country.”

Although a few could see the funny side, it goes to show that ridiculing a woman – no matter who her husband may be – is not cool.

By pouting her lips and mimicking Melania’s accent, Gigi is sending a message that it’s okay to mock someone for how they speak and look.

If you’re going to criticise someone, do it based on their views and actions. Don’t give into the (still) widely held belief that women are nothing more than their looks.

Yes, Gigi was following a script but for someone who has had her fair share of nasty comments, it’s a shame to see her bend to the will of the AMAs writers.

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