Vogue magazine’s Hairspray tribute video starring Gigi Hadid has sparked fierce backlash over its lack of plus-sized models.
Earlier this month, the fashion bible revealed it’s colorful homage to the beloved John Waters musical with Hadid portraying lead character Tracy Turnblad.
Stylish scenes played out in the three minute video saw Hadid, as well as actors Laverne Cox and Cole Escola and a number of dancers performing covers of the show’s hit tracks.
As the vibrant video began to gain traction online, it quickly became clear that fans weren’t as taken with the tribute as might have been originally hoped for.
Many were quick to point out that Hadid was not a fitting choice to play Tracy, a plus-size teenager who initially isn’t allowed on her local dance television show because of her larger size.
Some pointed out that the supermodel was dressed much more like the film’s antagonist Amber von Tussle, a thin, shallow and snobby character who constantly mocks Tracy.
Vogue magazine’s Hairspray tribute video starring Gigi Hadid has sparked fierce backlash over its lack of plus-sized models. Gigi is seen earlier this month
Many were quick to point out that Hadid was not a fitting choice to play Tracy, a plus-size teenager who initially isn’t allowed on her local dance television show because of her size
In fact, fans were soon blasting the magazine for the complete lack of plus-size representation in the tribute.
An ironic move considering the musical movie and the Broadway adaptation all pointedly promote the message of body positivity and rising above the standards of society.
One vexed follower wrote: ‘No plus size people in a hairspray tribute is wild. You erased the entire message of one of the most iconic musicals of all time and one of the only pieces of fat positive media most people had growing up.
‘Hundreds of plus models you could have used. I refuse to believe not one person at vogue raised this? Do better.’
Another person commented: ‘This is a wild take on Hairspray that may completely miss the message…’
‘Were no plus size models available or?’ one person quizzed, while another asked: ‘Did anyone actually watch the musical before making this?’
One fan raged: ‘Hairspray without fat people, the original Hairspray was all about inclusivity. This is a step backwards.’
Another explained: ‘I love Laverne and Gigi and Honey and the other features. I love the choreography and the styling. The hair and makeup team nailed! The sets are cute!
Stylish scenes played out in the three minute video which saw Hadid, actors Laverne Cox and Cole Escola and a number of dancers performing covers of the show’s hit tracks
Some pointed out that the supermodel was dressed much more like the film’s antagonist Amber von Tussle (Brittany Snow pictured center right), a thin character who mocks Tracy
‘And yet the biggest takeaway from all of it is the plus size erasure. Surely, there was someone on the creative team who pitched size inclusivity. Who was the person that told them no?’
‘Oh. So Yall are gonna double down on this,’ one person commented. ‘Not one plus size person in an ad inspired by a musical with the message of plus sized inclusion. Tone deaf?’
‘Who signed off on this? Respectfully it’s Embarrassing,’ one fan lamented, while another stated: ‘Ya’ll really missed the mark with this one.’
The original 1988 movie was the breakout project for former talk show host Ricki Lake, who starred as Tracy Turnblad, a bubbly high schooler who dreams of dancing on television before a social awakening leads her to push for the racial integration of her school.
The film’ success soon lead to the 2002 Broadway musical of the same name, and that in turn was the inspiration for the 2007 musical film starring the likes of Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer and John Travolta.
The most recent was Hairspray Live! which aired on NBC in December 2016.
Director and writer John Waters, who is openly gay, previously explained that he was inspired to create the film by his own history of seeking day-time television fame.
Elsewhere, Forbes has claimed Hadid is the number two highest-paid model in 2025, taking the place of 44-year-old Gisele Bundchen.
The list is: Kendall Jenner, Gigi, Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima, Liu Wen, Gisele and Ashley Graham, according to CEO Today magazine.
The news came after Hadid finally broke her silence on her ‘very happy and romantic’ relationship with actor Bradley Cooper.
The original 1988 movie was the breakout project for former talk show host Ricki Lake, who originated the role of bubbly teenager Tracy Turnblad (R)
She told Vogue that being with the actor has helped to give her a ‘normal experience of dating’ as they regularly enjoy low-key nights together at the movies.
The pair were first linked back in October 2023, and while they are ‘very happy’ in their relationship, sources have said they are in ‘no rush’ to get engaged.
Hadid said: ‘Bradley has opened me up to going to the theater more, and that’s something that’s so nice to bring back into my life…
‘You want to give yourself a normal experience of dating and even for my friends who aren’t public figures, that’s hard. Where do you go? And, what? You just start talking to people?’
She went onto hint that being in a relationship with Bradley may not have been something that would have come around earlier in her life.
Hadid added: ‘I think just getting to the point where knowing what you want and deserve in a relationship is essential, and then to find someone that is in a place in their life where they know what they want and deserve… and you both do work separately to come together and be the best partner that you can be.’
