Romee Strijd Disputes Victoria's Secret Casting Timeline

Former Victoria's Secret Angel Romee Strijd has responded to the lingerie brand's statement explaining why she wasn't cast in its latest runway show. Earlier this month, the Dutch model shared a tearful TikTok clip revealing her rejection from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

Victoria's Secret later issued a statement to Vanity Fair, asserting that "Romee holds an important place within Victoria’s Secret and we deeply value her longstanding relationship with the brand and the dedication she has demonstrated throughout her career with us." The company further stated that casting director Piergiorgio Del Moro "communicated directly to her representation and formally released her from the casting process on September 6." Victoria's Secret added that "While we cannot speak to the communications between talent and representation, Victoria’s Secret values and respects all talent partners – past, present and future."

Strijd, however, disputed this timeline in a comment on an Instagram post, questioning, "Then how come I went to the casting september 10th?" she wrote, accompanied by a mind-blown emoji.

Strijd, who previously walked in the show from 2014 to 2018, expressed her disappointment with the process, stating, "Either way, it’s a closed chapter and it’s probably gonna be a good show. I don’t think I’m gonna cast anymore in the future ’cause I don’t like the way it went. I don’t like how the whole process went. I don’t like the way I was treated, and I would love to keep the positive memories, obviously."

She detailed preparing for a potential appearance, including training throughout the summer, especially after having two children. "I would love to, I've done everything I could. I went to the casting, I trained, and now it's out of my hands," she said before confirming her non-selection.

The Victoria's Secret show returned to Los Angeles for the first time in 19 years, featuring models such as Gigi and Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima, Elsa Hosk, and Barbara Palvin. Musical performances included Megan Thee Stallion, Megan Moroney, and Tate McRae. The show also introduced Solange Omon, a new Angel discovered through the brand's streaming series.

The event marked the third year back for the show following a six-year hiatus. Originally launched in 1995 and broadcast on television by 2001, the annual show was canceled in 2019 due to criticism regarding the brand's lack of diversity and controversial comments made by then-chief marketing officer Ed Razek.