Ex-Victoria's Secret Model Bianca Balti Denied 2025 Show Amid Cancer Battle

Italian supermodel Bianca Balti, a former Victoria's Secret Angel, revealed that Victoria's Secret declined her heartfelt request to walk in the brand's 2025 fashion show while she is undergoing treatment for stage 3C ovarian cancer. Balti, who has been open about her cancer journey since 2024, sent a letter expressing her desire to participate, inspired by the brand's recent efforts toward diversity and inclusion, which she praised for featuring women of various sizes, ethnicities, genders, and ages. In her letter, Balti emphasized that her participation would send a powerful message to millions of women battling illness, affirming that life continues despite adversity and that women living with cancer remain strong, sexy, and unstoppable. Despite the rejection, reportedly because the show was already fully cast, Balti accepted the decision with grace, stating that cancer taught her to seize opportunities without regrets. Her candid essay has sparked conversations about representation and inclusion of people facing illness in the fashion industry, highlighting the importance of visibility for cancer patients and survivors. Victoria's Secret has not publicly responded to Balti's account as of now.