Former Victoria’s Secret angel and Australian model Bridget Malcolm has taken to TikTok to lift the lid on her harrowing experience in the modeling industry. At 29 years-of-age, Malcolm explained why she hadn’t spoken up until now and detailed how she was weight shamed and groomed all before the age of entering adulthood age.
“By the age of 18, I’d lived in three countries alone. I traveled to all continents except for Antarctica. I’d been groomed by a much older man. I’d been sexually assaulted multiple times,” she said. Malcolm also added that while underage she was told to “do cocaine to lose weight” and “have lots of sex to lose weight”.
In response to the pressure from her agency, Malcolm admitted she developed severe anorexia, PTSD, anxiety and depression.
“Eight years later on my 26th birthday I had a nervous breakdown and I couldn’t leave my house for a year without panic attacks and severe anxiety. I also had a bout with suicidal ideation which was terrifying. That was four years ago,” Malcolm continued.
Today the former VS model revealed she is “two-plus years sober” and “four years in recovery from an eating disorder”.
“The reality is, I couldn’t talk about my experiences before I reached this place because I would have intense PTSD flashbacks. I would have panic attacks and I wouldn’t be okay.”
It comes after Malcolm posted to the social media platform wearing her Victoria’s Secret bra from the 2016 show. She said she was rejected from walking in the 2017 show as VS CMO Ed Razek allegedly said her body “did not look good enough”.
@bridgetmalcolm too little too late Victoria’s Secret #victoriassecret #victoriasecretshows #CompleteMyLook #MyColoredHair
Victoria’s Secret came under fire in 2018 after Razek claimed “transsexual models” would not be cast in the show as it was “a fantasy” and followed comments to Vogue where he admitted that he had “no interest” in seeing plus-size models on the runway. After poor ratings and backlash from the public, the 2019 Victoria’s Secret show was canceled.
The lingerie conglomerate has since reemerged with a welcomed rebrand. Last month it was revealed Priyanka Chopra would join a new movement of talent for the brand.
Our hearts at GRAZIA go out to Bridget. Thank you for sharing your story.
If this story is in any way triggering to you, please click onto the Anxiety & depression association of america (ADAA) website for more information and help.
