«We stand in solidarity, and complete and total acceptance is the only \u2018fantasy\u2019 that I support.»<\/b>
\nHalsey was seen performing on the Victoria\u2019s Secret Fashion Show Sunday night, but that doesn\u2019t mean she fully supports the brand. The singer revealed she\u2019d heard the building criticism of the brand after she filmed the performance, and made sure to declare she does not support their lack of inclusivity of transgender models, even as she appeared on their runway.
Halsey took to Instagram to post a message about her appearance on the show. It started by explaining she\u2019d \u201cadored\u201d the show for most of her life, and walking among the models was a dream come true. She then dove into the comments.
\u201cAs a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have no tolerance for a lack of inclusivity, especially not one motivated by stereotype,» she wrote.
Halsey also gave options for supporting the LGBTQ+ community and spoke directly to her transgender fans: \u201cIf you are a trans person reading this, and these comments have made you feel alienated of invalidated, please know that you have allies. We stand in solidarity, and complete and total acceptance is the only \u2018fantasy\u2019 that I support.\u201d
Halsey performs on the runway during the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show at Pier 94 on November 08,2018, in New York City. Noam Galai\/Getty Images
After the 2018 Victoria\u2019s Secret Fashion Show was filmed, comments about the model standards began to go viral. The spark was an interview with Ed Razek, chief marketing officer of the lingerie brand. Razek explained why he doesn\u2019t want to add transgender models to the Victoria\u2019s Secret runway in conversation with Vogue in early November.
\u201cIt\u2019s like, why doesn\u2019t your show do this? Shouldn\u2019t you have transsexuals in the show? No. No, I don\u2019t think we should,\u201d he said. \u201cWell, why not? Because the show is a fantasy. It\u2019s a 42-minute entertainment special. That\u2019s what it is.\u201d
He later apologized and noted transgender models have applied for a model position with the brand, but have not met the brand\u2019s standards.
Some commenters took a problem with the timing of Halsey\u2019s statement. \u201cVS has been the same every year and you\u2019re only now recognizing the inclusivity issue AFTER you get paid for it? Yikes girl,\u201d and Instagram user, @laurynnnn wrote.
Another suggested Halsey donate the paycheck she received from them.
Others found Halsey\u2019s statement empowering, and thanked her for speaking up. \u201cThank you for standing up for what\u2019s right. Too many would look the other way,\u201d said one among another comment, which called Halsey a \u201cclass act.\u201d<\/p>\n