Bella Hadid slammed for Vogue Arabia cover: 'Watered down representation of Middle Eastern culture'

Bella Hadid has received criticism for fronting the latest edition of Vogue Arabia. The American supermodel graces the cover of the fashion bible's September issue, but many are disappointed that an Arabic-born model was not chosen for the prestigious issue.

Hadid, 20, appears on two versions of the new cover for Vogue Arabia, which were both photographed by legendary designer and Chanel's creative director Karl Lagerfeld. The supermodel is of half-Palestinian descent courtesy of her father, Mohamed Hadid, who was born in Israel, while her mother, Yolanda Hadid, is Dutch.

Despite her Palestinian heritage, not everyone was impressed with Hadid's cover. One wrote on Vogue Arabia's Instagram account: "Ok we love bella but she's every where and your magazine is just like any other, add the Arabian taste to fashion for God's sake."

Another critic weighed in with a detailed post: "Maybe some of us are expecting a bit more from a celebrated publication like Vogue. If you follow fashion..u see the faces...the names...some Vogue readers don't appreciate linking Pop Culture Tween fanbase with high fashion. Some of the models are watered down reps of the culture or Middle Eastern Identity. Others models are fine but forgetful.

They continued: "Many would argue that Vogue is following pop culture trends and social media phenomenons using popular pretty faces for magazine sales rather than creating the historic fashion moments with the coveted extremes, the unexpected, the daring, the jaw dropping style. Some of us are still waiting to be inspired."

One other chimed in: "This is suppose to be vogue 'Arabia', there are so many talented and beautiful Arabic models who can do this cover, I hope you bring an Arabic woman next time."

Another agreed: "So many gorgeous Arabic models, yet.... an unimpressive cover of a face we see everywhere."

However, Hadid did have some supporters in her corner including one who stated: "And we as middle easterners are so proud of you darling."

A man claiming to be Hadid's uncle, added: "Thank you for taking a stand and acknowledging your beautiful family and heritage, which I also share by being married to your extraordinary father's even more extraordinary older sister, Ghada. Your uncle, Glenn."

Perhaps anticipating the backlash, Hadid, younger sister of model Gigi Hadid, applauded Vogue Arabia for acknowledging different cultures. The runway star wrote on Instagram: "I am so honoured and proud to be on this cover of Vogue Arabia...

"Specifically to represent and cherish my half-Palestinian blood from my father and his strong, loving, wonderful Arab side of my family. This cover is in honour of my teta Khair Hadid, my family, and my Arab/Muslim friends out there.. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of the newest international Vogue and thank you Vogue Arabia for continuing to celebrate and accept all different cultures and customs the way we all should."