“Bad PR”: Ex–Victoria’s Secret Model Battling Cancer Reveals She Was Rejected From This Year’s Show

Some things really do have to be seen to be understood.

Three days into Victoria’s Secret ’s annual fashion show, cancer survivor Bianca Balti who walked the lingerie brand’s 2005 ramp, revealed that she offered to do the same in 2025 but was turned down.

Balti hoped that since the show coincided with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the brand – which has been seen as trying to “mend past and present wrongs” – would extend the breadth of its inclusivity.

But alas, they responded to her idea with a simple “It doesn’t work this year.”

“Last week, I did something bold,” Balti began her deeply personal essay.

“I searched LinkedIn for email addresses and sent this open letter to anyone I could find at the company,” and told them, “I should be there too.”

She opened the communique with platitudes, one of which was directed at the company’s take on diversity.

“I’ve watched your brand’s beautiful transformation — a true commitment to diversity and inclusion.”