Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Faces Backlash Over Excluded Model’s Cancer Awareness Plea

The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show took place on October 15. It featured a roster of new and returning models. Veteran model Bianca Balti was notably absent from the lineup.

Balti, who first walked for the brand in 2005, publicly revealed she had asked to participate. She hoped to represent women battling cancer. According to Reuters, her request was not accepted.

Model’s Personal Plea for Inclusion

Bianca Balti was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2024. She recently shared an open letter she sent to company executives. In it, she detailed her courageous request to walk the runway.

“I reached out to Victoria’s Secret and offered myself to walk in this year’s Fashion Show,” Balti wrote on Substack. She explained the move was driven by courage. The model stated she had nothing to lose by asking.

A Powerful Message Left Undelivered

Balti acknowledged the brand’s strides in inclusivity. She argued, however, that true inclusivity means making your entire audience feel seen. She pointed to sobering cancer statistics to underscore her point.

“1 in 3 women will face cancer in their lifetime,” she noted. The show also occurred during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Balti saw this timing as a profoundly aligned opportunity for a powerful statement.

She emphasized her strength and pride in her scars. Having her on the runway would send a message to millions of women. It was a chance to show that strength and sexiness coexist during a health battle.

Public Support Floods In for Balti

Fans have expressed strong support for the model on social media. Many commented on her recent Instagram post with messages of admiration. They also shared their disappointment with the brand’s decision.

One fan wrote that she was “too good for Victoria’s Secret.” Another stated the brand did not deserve her. Comments praised her strength and called her an inspiration to many.

The public reaction highlights a growing expectation for brands to embrace diverse stories. Balti’s absence was felt as a missed opportunity. The moment to showcase resilience was lost.

The exclusion of Bianca Balti from the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show represents more than a casting decision. It was a missed chance to champion real-life strength and redefine beauty for a global audience during a deeply symbolic month.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who is Bianca Balti?

Bianca Balti is an Italian model who first walked for Victoria’s Secret in 2005. She has been a prominent figure in the fashion industry for nearly two decades. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2024.

What did Bianca Balti ask of Victoria’s Secret?

She directly asked the company if she could walk in their 2025 fashion show. Her goal was to represent and bring awareness to women fighting cancer. She made this request via an open letter sent to executives.

Why was her proposed participation significant?

The 2025 show was held in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Balti also marked one year since her first chemotherapy session right before the show. Her walk would have powerfully merged fashion with a message of health and survival.

How have people reacted to this news?

There has been significant public support for Balti on social media. Many fans expressed disappointment in Victoria’s Secret’s decision. They have praised Balti for her bravery and strength.

What is the main criticism of Victoria’s Secret?

The main criticism is that the brand missed a key opportunity for genuine inclusivity. By not featuring a cancer survivor, they overlooked a chance to connect with millions affected by the disease. It is seen as a failure to embrace a powerful real-world narrative.