Gigi Hadid’s Vogue Hairspray Cover Sparks Controversy Over Thin Models

Gigi Hadid’s Performance of Hairspray Is Creating Controversy Over Body Representation

In a recent fashion homage to Hairspray, Gigi Hadid has become the central figure for Vogue’s latest video titled “Gigi Hadid Can’t Stop the Beat,” which is a cover of the iconic musical number “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” It’s a well-known fact that Hairspray, whether through John Waters’ original film or its Broadway adaptation, tells the story of Tracy Turnblad—a teenager who faces exclusion due to her larger size, highlighting themes of body positivity and the struggle for racial equality.

Gigi expressed her love for musical theater in the feature, recalling her childhood experience playing the role of Amber Von Tussle at just nine years old. The video begins with her singing a part sung by the character Penny, followed by a transformation into a wig that mirrors Tracy’s famous hairstyle.

Joining Gigi in this celebration is Broadway actor Cole Escola, who steps into the role of Tracy’s mother, Edna. Interestingly, Escola skips a notable line about food that reflects the character’s struggles with body image, likely because he is of a straight-sized figure. Laverne Cox also makes an appearance as Motormouth Maybelle, a character who boasts about being “Big, Blonde and Beautiful.”

However, this celebration of Hairspray has sparked critical conversations online, particularly regarding the absence of body diversity in its portrayal. Among the cast featuring 16 dancers and four guests, there is a conspicuous lack of larger bodies—an ironic oversight given the show’s message about size discrimination.

Many viewers have praised the production, yet there’s a significant conversation emerging about the missed opportunity to include plus-sized models in a tribute to a story that fundamentally advocates for body acceptance. This reflection raises a pertinent question: in a time where weight stigma remains pervasive in the fashion industry, wouldn’t it have been more impactful to feature diverse body types? Or given the context, perhaps a different musical might have been a more fitting choice?

The discourse around this performance underscores an ongoing societal challenge regarding body acceptance and representation, making it clear that while the tribute was well-intentioned, it also brought to light critical issues surrounding the celebration of body diversity in media and fashion.