Bella Hadid has made an emotional confession after she sparked reactions with a worrying health update.
The American supermodel apologised to fans for raising concerns due to her ongoing health battle with a chronic illness.
Taking to her Instagram stories, Bella said she is grateful for the support from her fans after posting an emotional message about a flare-up of her chronic illness.
Emotional health update
Gigi Hadid‘s younger sister shared a tearful selfie on Instagram on Thursday in a statement that left fans in a frenzy.
Apart from the worrying image, Bella said she was “unable to shake off” the flare-up, which left her “out of breath walking to the kitchen.”
The renowned fashionista also revealed that she had slept for 11 hours but continued needing naps, adding, “Took every protocol from any and every doctor I’ve seen. Still nothing helping.”
“Hi. I’m sorry if I worried anyone. I know it sounds jarring, but in full truth it’s my reality so it’s something I’m able to cope with to a capacity now,” she began her statement.
She continued, “Thank you for all your support. I wasn’t expecting it, but I’m truly grateful. I love you guys so much.”
About the chronic illness and Bella Hadid diagnosis
For those unaware, the model was diagnosed with the chronic Lyme disease in 2013, with her brother Anwar Hadid and mother Yolanda, who starred in US reality TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and her brother.
According to the NHS, most people who are diagnosed will recover – however, a small proportion will continue to have symptoms, such as tiredness, aching and loss of energy, which can last for several years.
Bella Hadid previously completed intensive, months-long treatments in 2023; she continues to navigate unpredictable, debilitating flare-ups.
Her long-term struggle involves an array of “invisible” symptoms that severely impact her daily life, including Extreme Fatigue, Cognitive Issues, Physical Pain, and orthostatic issues.
Bella Hadid's career after diagnosis
Bella Hadid’s career as a model has been profoundly affected by her ongoing battle with chronic Lyme disease and other invisible illnesses.
The illness has forced her to step back from modelling at times, miss major fashion events, and manage a career despite severe fatigue and chronic pain.
Despite the ongoing struggle with Lyme, Bella made major runway appearances for Saint Laurent to promote the Ready-to-Wear collection in Paris and headlined the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
She officially returned to the famous Victoria's Secret runway, opening the show in a red lace ensemble in 2025.
During her painful journey, she was also supported by her boyfriend, Adan Banuelos, after the brief separation.
Bella Hadid and her longtime boyfriend, professional equestrian Adan Banuelos, got back together after a brief separation.
The couple originally split due to conflicting long-term goals and distance, but reconciled shortly after. They have since been spotted together at events and rodeos in Texas.
Bella Hadid's romance
In January, several media reports claimed that the pair called it quits after two years of romance.
An insider confirmed, “She‘s been staying busy with work and spending time with close friends. She is still processing the breakup since it was a very serious relationship.”
However, quashing split reports, the two appeared together in a Texas bar, seen dancing together; since then, they have been going strong.
