Cover Bella Hadid visited the Turkevi Center in New York City to provide humanitarian aid following the Turkey-Syria earthquake in February 2023 (Photo: Getty Images)

Tatler celebrates the supermodel’s birthday by looking at the times she stood up for social causes, be it mental health or humanitarian aid

Bella Hadid might be one of the most popular models of recent times, appearing on numerous runways, photo shoots and ad campaigns for top lifestyle brands, but she also makes news for her philanthropic side, by using her voice and her large platform to do good.

Whether it’s being vocal about mental health and body image or opening up about her battles with Lyme disease or helping victims of natural calamities, Hadid has been known to speak up and support various causes close to her heart and to inspire her audiences to take action too.

To celebrate her 27th birthday on October 9, we have highlighted five times when Hadid raised awareness for an important cause.

Read more: How Hong Kong domestic workers’ mental health struggles are systematically neglected—and how that impacts local families

1. Talking about her struggles with Lyme disease

Hadid was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012 and, over the years, she has shared her struggles stemming from this tick-borne illness. Most recently, in August 2023, she took to Instagram to share that she’s “finally healthy” and posted pictures of her journey so far, including photos taken in treatment rooms and clinics—a far cry from the stylish world we’re used to seeing Hadid in. These raw, unglamorous photos can serve as a powerful reminder to her followers that illnesses can affect anyone, but there’s hope at the end of the tunnel.

2. Advocating for mental health

Hadid openly shares her emotions—and low moments— online and has become an advocate for mental health discussions. She’s also been candid about her regrets regarding plastic surgery, including a nose job she had at a young age. Her willingness to address these sensitive topics has earned praise from fans and peers alike.

In October last year, she received the Michael Kors Award for Mental Health Advocacy at the Golden Heart Awards, a fundraiser hosted by American charity God’s Love We Deliver, which provides meals to people with mental health struggles.

3. Responding to global disasters

When large-scale wildfires burnt down parts of Maui and Hawaii in August 2023, Hadid took to Instagram to share a list of organisations where people could send in their donations.

This isn’t the first time she’s been vocal about taking action in response to natural disasters—in February 2023, when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, Hadid shared a list of resources on Instagram, and led by example by donating supplies for survivors at New York’s Turkevi Center (Turkish House).

4. Supporting the community

During the height of Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Hadid worked with US-based NGOs Food Bank For New York City, Grand Street Settlement and One Warm Coat to provide meals, gifts and warm clothes respectively, to communities in Manhattan and Brooklyn during the Christmas holidays. On Instagram, she thanked all those working at these organisations and urged people to spread joy by donating to those in need during the holiday season.

5. Standing up for animal rights

Hadid is known for her love of horses and she frequently shares pictures with these majestic creatures on Instagram. No wonder then she is vocal against animal cruelty; in August 2022, for instance, she brought to light the poor treatment of carriage horses in New York City, urging the city council and mayor to pass legislation to phase out carriage horses.

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