Adriana Lima is getting candid about her changing looks. In a new interview with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel spoke about being the subject of plastic surgery rumors and the recent criticism she received for her appearance after attending the Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes back in November.
“It did not bother me at all,” Lima told the outlet about the negative online comments that speculated her fuller face was the result of a cosmetic procedure. “I’m very strong that way, and honestly, I looked at myself before I stepped out and I was feeling great. I was with my children, and they looked at me and were like, ‘Mom! You look so beautiful!’”
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For the occasion, Adriana wore a red-and-black minidress in a fit-and-flare silhouette with sheer stockings and a red pointed-toe pumps that matched her dress, as well as her lipstick. Her brunette hair was styled sleek, straight, and tucked behind her ears with a sweeping side part. And despite tuning out the internet chatter, the model did admit that she was “shocked” after seeing photos of herself on the red carpet.
“I was like ‘that’s not me,’“ she said. “Everything was strange because I don’t see myself like that. I still don’t see myself like that… you can see yourself differently.”
Lima continued, “I didn’t get offended or anything, though – I was laughing. The point is, I am not 16 years old. I started modeling at 16 but I will never be 16 again. I’m 42 and I’m the happiest I’ve been; the happiest with myself. I embrace my age and I will not change for anyone.”
Last month, Adriana addressed the trolls head on with a makeup-free selfie shared to her Instagram Story. “The face of a tired mom of one teenage girl, two preteens, a 1-year-old learning to walk, and three dogs,” she wrote, adding, “Thanks for your concern.”