Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Rejects Model Bianca Balti Amid Cancer Treatment

Former Victoria’s Secret Angel Bianca Balti says the brand declined her request to walk in its 2025 fashion show. The Italian model is currently undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. She revealed the decision in a personal online essay.

Balti felt inspired by the brand’s recent diversity efforts. She decided to ask for a spot despite her health challenges. The company responded that the show was already fully cast.

Model’s Heartfelt Request Denied

Balti sent a heartfelt letter to Victoria’s Secret during the week of October 6th. She asked to participate in the October 15th show. The 41-year-old model described finding unexpected courage to make the request.

She wrote that life’s only regrets come from chances not taken. In her letter, Balti acknowledged she wasn’t the youngest or fittest candidate. But she emphasized her strength and bravery while living with cancer.

Her proposal argued that her participation would send a powerful message. It would show millions of women that life continues during adversity. She believed it would demonstrate that women facing illness remain sexy and unstoppable.

Broader Impact on Representation

The model accepted the rejection with grace after receiving a kind reply. She stated that trying never kills you, a lesson cancer taught her. Balti has no regrets about making the attempt.

She specifically praised the 2024 show’s diversity in her essay. This year’s event featured transgender and plus-size models. Balti argued her inclusion would have represented cancer patients and survivors worldwide.

Victoria’s Secret has not publicly commented on Balti’s account. The brand has been working to overhaul its image in recent years. Its efforts include featuring more diverse body types and backgrounds.

Bianca Balti’s story highlights ongoing conversations about inclusion in fashion. Her Victoria’s Secret fashion show request, though denied, continues important discussions about representation during illness.

Thought you’d like to know

What health condition does Bianca Balti have?

Bianca Balti is currently undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed in October 2024. The model previously underwent a preventative mastectomy in 2022 after discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation.

Did Victoria’s Secret explain their decision?

The company told Balti the show had already been fully cast. They described their response as kind in her account. Victoria’s Secret has not made any public statement about the situation.

Has Balti walked for Victoria’s Secret before?

Yes, she walked in the 2005 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She was previously designated as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. The brand’s fashion shows returned in 2024 after a several-year hiatus.

How has Victoria’s Secret changed recently?

The brand has been emphasizing diversity and inclusion in its recent shows. The 2024 event featured transgender and plus-size models. This represents a significant shift from their earlier marketing approach.

Why did Balti think her participation mattered?

She believed it would represent millions of women facing cancer. Her walk would show that life continues during adversity. Balti wanted to demonstrate that illness doesn’t diminish womanhood or strength.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News