On Sunday night, model Gigi Hadid turned to the art of comedy during her hosting role at the American Music Awards by impersonating Melania Trump.
However, while the impersonation was made in jest – given the fact Melania herself impersonated Michelle Obama by plagiarising her speech at the Republican National Convention earlier this summer – the 21-year-old Californian beauty has faced an onslaught of backlash from viewers who felt her joke was 'classless' and 'racist' towards the future First Lady.
As a result, Hadid posted a photo to Twitter of a handwritten apology to anyone who was offended by the skit.
In the letter, she notes the impersonation was 'done in good humour' and with 'no bad intent'.
She wrote: 'I was honored 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 humor and with no bad intent.
'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.'
Well, Oscar Wilde did say: 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery'.
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
