"I just want the best for my baby, as all parents do."
Yesterday, supermodel Gigi Hadid penned an
open letter to the paparazzi with a very simple request - to not share pictures of her baby daughter's face.
On her Instagram story she wrote: "I know the law changes 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 that comes down to the integrity of the photographer, publication, or fans sharing the images.
"I write this all to say: to the Paparazzi, press, and beloved fan accounts, you know we have never intentionally shared our 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.
"It would mean the world to us, as we take our daughter to see and explore NYC, and the world, if you would PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE blur her face out of the images, and if and when she is caught on camera, I know it’s an extra effort, but as a new mom, I just want the best for my baby, as all parents do."
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQybbhsH90i/
The model added: "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."
In her appeal, Gigi doesn't ask for much, but it's absolutely crucial that her wishes are respected.
While Gigi and Zayn are public figures, 10 month old Khai is not. She didn't choose to be born into the spotlight, and Gigi is absolutely right to guard her daughter's privacy until she's old enough to make that call for herself.
Beyond the obvious safety elements of her request, Gigi Hadid should be commended for establishing a healthy boundary with the press. Being in the public eye shouldn't give the media a free pass to trespass upon the private lives of celebrities. Over the past few years, we've seen the impact the paparazzi can have upon the
welfare of celebrities. When celebrities voice their concerns and draw their own boundaries, we absolutely should listen.
