We live in a world where men feel it’s appropriate to treat women however they’d like—in public and behind closed doors. For those of you who think catcalling is harmless and question why it terrifies us as women, this very, very scary video of Gigi Hadid being assaulted by an obsessed “fan” when leaving the Max Mara show is exactly what we’re so afraid of having happen.
Gigi defended herself when a man grabs her after the Max Mara show. pic.twitter.com/IsHEkTkkER
— Hadid News (@HadidNews) September 22, 2016
Thursday morning, as Gigi was leaving her Milan Fashion Week show, a man came up behind her, grabbed her and picked her up. Gigi responded appropriately—the 21-year-old model went into full-on defense mode, freeing an arm to elbow her attacker in the face. “Let go of me! Who the fuch are you? You piece of shit!” she yelled his way. The man clearly wasn’t expecting the response he got (because, you know, men don’t expect women to fight back), because he recoiled with shock and ran away when he was hit in the face.
We are grossed out, creeped out and honestly, scared—what makes men feel this behavior is appropriate, ever? While any sane person would condemn the actions of this creep, many media sources have criticized Gigi. “Not Model Behavior” was emblazoned on The Sun’s website; others wrote misleading headlines.
THANK YOU Rachel.
To unknown article writer: fan?!!! The ACTUAL fans that were there can tell you what happened. I’m a HUMAN BEING — https://t.co/G7Pbp0G8yP— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid) September 22, 2016
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
We’re hoping this man is caught and has to face the consequences of his actions. Assaulting a complete stranger is absolutely not okay.