Gigi Hadid has penned a lengthy open letter asking paparazzi, press and fans not to post pictures of her and Zayn Malik’s firstborn daughter, Khai, who was born in September. 

The letter, shared to Gigi’s social media on Monday, July 5th asking to blur Khai’s face out of photos. “As our baby grows up we have to realize that we can’t protect her from everything the way we wanted to and could when she was smaller,” Hadid wrote. “She loves seeing the world! and although she gets a lot of that out near the farm, she also gets to experience other places — a true blessing.”

Hadid went on to detail that during her recent visits to New York City, Khai wanted the sunshade of her stroller lifted — which Hadid had kept down to protect her from photographs.

“I also want her to see the most amazing city in the world + the beautiful and diverse people that walk down the streets of NYC… that is, without the stress of the media circus that comes with parents who are public figures,” Hadid continued. “I know the laws change State to State, and I’ve seen some paparazzi photos of kids in NYC with their faces blurred — but, from asking around, I believe that comes down to the integrity of the photographer, publications, or fans sharing the images.”

Hadid went on to detail the conscious decision she and Zayn made to avoid sharing their daughters face on social media. . “Our wish is that she can choose how to share herself with the world when she comes of age, and that she can live as normal of a childhood as possible, without worrying about a public image that she has not chosen.”

I know it’s an extra effort — but as a new mom, I just want the best for my baby, as all parents do… and I hope this can continue the conversation to protect minors in the media, even if they come from a public family,” she wrote.

“For a child, I can imagine that close or dramatic paparazzi frenzies must be overwhelming and disorienting… it still is as an adult that understands and deals with it often,” Hadid concluded.

Love Fashion & Beauty?

Get the latest Fashion & Beauty news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more

See Hadid’s note below.

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine