Model Gigi Hadid is constantly at the center of tabloid speculation and because it is a huge part of her job, the public rarely questions why we are hearing about her possible weight loss or alleged mistreatment of her boyfriends. Making models look bad is a cornerstone of the tabloid industry because everyday people feel better about themselves if they believe that the beautiful, jet-setting crowd is full of awful jerks. The industry is built on the belief that those everyday people will buy magazines that validate them.

Today, Hadid was under fire for elbowing a man in the face when he picked her up from behind. She’s currently in Italy for Milan Fashion Week and was leaving a show with the makeup she wore to walk in it still on her face. Gossip Cop reports that it was serial “prankster” Vitalii Sediuk who snatched her up.

Here is video of the incident:

So proud of Gigi! @GiGiHadid stands up & defends herself from a creepy guy. Girls, defend yourself from harassment!? pic.twitter.com/4ztQciudco — Teen Network (@iaam) September 22, 2016

In an extended cut of the video, we saw her stop to take photos with fans no less than four times. She gives her fans access to her as she leaves venues, which Sediuk exploited.

In spite of the kindness she demonstrated toward fans, headlines have been disparaging. “Gigi Hadid LASHES OUT at man who tries to pick her up as she leaves Milan” is still the SEO headline of this Daily Mail piece.

Alternative headline – GOOD FOR HER: Gigi Hadid Reacts In Totally Appropriate Way When Random Man Tries To Lift Her In The Street pic.twitter.com/WTsbHcNt43 — Rachel McGrath (@RachelMcGrath) September 22, 2016

She’s found support online, though. She’s been applauded by celebrities…

This pathetic ‘stunt’ isn’t remotely funny.

I totally support @GiGiHadid. She should have punched him harder.https://t.co/EmI2YMNEBu — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 22, 2016

We all know one true fact today: @GiGiHadid absolutely fired her security and registered her elbows as deadly weapons — Keegan Allen (@KeeganAllen) September 22, 2016

I’m so glad @GiGiHadid elbowed that POS in the face! — Spencer Pratt (@spencerpratt) September 22, 2016

Good for you babe @GiGiHadid — bella thorne (@bellathorne) September 22, 2016

…and by the everyday people the headlines were aimed at:

Every media outlet branding Gigi Hadid as “lashing out” or “getting aggressive” with a man who harassed her is a piece of trash. — Lily Melrose ✌️ (@llymlrs) September 22, 2016

@GiGiHadid omg I just saw the video & you can see him creeping up on you! what a freak! GOOD FOR YOU GIRL! blasted him with an elbow! — Erica Kenyon (@EKenyon87) September 22, 2016

if a man laid his hands on me i would’ve done the same thing gigi hadid did — m (@rnyriam) September 22, 2016

She’s not stressing. Here’s what she had to say about it all:

and had EVERY RIGHT to defend myself. How dare that idiot thinks he has the right to man-handle a complete stranger. He ran quick tho ???? — Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) September 22, 2016

If you’re wondering where you heard of Sediuk before this, he pulls these stunts frequently. He once tried to attack Brad Pitt.

[image via screengrab]

Lindsey: Twitter. Facebook.

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