Shanina Shaik Defends Kendall Jenner And Gigi Hadid

Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid received some backlash after appearing in the Victoria’s Secret show last year.

There were whispers that models including Jourdan Dunn were booted from the production to make way for the girls, prompting Rihanna to pull out of the show in solidarity.

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Regardless, the duo has a friend in Aussie model and fellow Victoria’s Secret Angel Shanina Shaik, who says they deserved a spot in the show.

"I know them personally," the 24-year-old explained. "Attachment sometimes from the outside in can help, but they do work really hard.

"Gigi's been modelling since she was a young kid and I think people forget that. Gigi had to try out a few times before she got in. They did an amazing job and they looked great and they did amazing for the show. They have amazing bodies and they fit the criteria for Victoria's Secret."

Shaik added that neither one relied on their last name to get where they are. "They also have dreams and goals they want to achieve and they're very humble and they're very appreciative of everything great that happens to them," Shaik said. "I see that myself."

Adriana Lima and Miranda Kerr reportedly gave Shaik some good avice when she first started out as a Victoria’s Secret model, which she relayed to Kendall and Gigi before the show.

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"Seeing them being new to Victoria's Secret, I saw myself four years ago," she recalled. "I had like Adriana [Lima] and Miranda [Kerr] giving me advice at that time so I just said, 'You know what, enjoy the moment.'"