She caused fury in China over a 'racist' video that went viral forcing her to issue an apology.
And on Tuesday Gigi Hadid looked somber as she stepped out in New York City after suffering a social media backlash for posting a clip of herself squinting her eyes to imitate Buddha.
Angry Chinese have warned her not to take part in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai later this year as a result.
The model kept her eyes down as she ran her errands and checked her phone as she walked along the city sidewalk.
Gigi, 22, flashed a hint of midriff in her ensemble that paired blue jeans cutoff at the calf with a white cotton top and a white cashmere cardigan.
She added a pair of white fluffy mules for good measure.
The lingerie model wore her long blonde hair tied up into a high ponytail and rocked cat's eye-shaped shades.
The sister of Bella Hadid carried a small yellow purse as she went about her business.
Her controversial Instagram video came under fire in China last week with Chinese web users leaving thousands of angry comments on her social media accounts about the clip.
The video at the centre of the outcry was posted on Instagram in February by Gigi Hadid's model sister, Bella.
In the clip, which was later deleted, Gigi and friends can be seen at a restaurant, where several are singing Happy Birthday.
Gigi holds up a cookie in the shape of the Buddha, then smiles and squints her eyes to imitate his face.
At the time, other social media users quickly chimed in to criticize Gigi, with many claiming her actions to be 'racist'.
The threat of a boycott forced her to issue an apology on a Chinese social media platform.
The backlash happened shortly after Victoria's Secret announced it would hold its annual fashion show in China for the first time, in Shanghai on November 28.
Gigi confirmed via Twitter and Instagram that she would attend the show sparking the furious reaction.
One angry person web user wrote: 'Don't come to Shanghai. You're not welcome here. Screw off!'
Another person posted: '[If she] despises Asian people, why would she come to Asia? [I] boycott [her] firmly.'
One commentator challenged Gigi's actions by saying: 'Doesn't she have Middle Eastern blood herself?'
A fourth user said: 'I suggest that she and her sister Bella should get out of Victoria's Secret show...'
Global Times, a Chinese state-run newspaper, published a video on its Weibo account, which showed more controversial comments made by Gigi and her mother in the past.
In the clip, Gigi's mother can be heard telling a make-up artist in a reality TV show to put more eye shadow on Gigi so she 'doesn't look Chinese'.
Sparking an outcry: In a video posted to Instagram, Gigi holds up a cookie in the shape of the Buddha, then smiles and squints her eyes to imitate his face
Backlash: Angry Chinese people are telling her not to come to Shanghai for this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after being insulted by her on camera antics
Struts her stuff: The supermodel also attended the brand's annual extravaganza in Paris, France, last year.
Faced with controversy, Gigi apparently issued a bilingual statement on Weibo to apologise for her actions.
The post is the only one on a verified Weibo account believed to be hers.
It said: 'It hurts me to hurt anyone, and I want you all to know that it was never my intent to offend anyone through my actions and I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt or felt let down by me.
'I have the utmost respect and love for the people of China and cherish the incredible memories I have made while visiting in the past. I have learned to be very careful of how my actions can come off or be portrayed, and I’m hopeful you’ll accept my apology. '
Then it continued: 'I hope to meet many of you and let you get to know me for me. I do not condone hurtful behavior and want people and fans of all backgrounds to know they are welcomed, loved, and respected around me and by me.'
On Instagram, Gigi's announcement gathered more than 4.6 million views, however it hasn't been received well in China with many accusing the model of being racist
Faced with controversy, Gigi has apologised in English and Chinese on Chinese social media
It seems that Gigi's apparent apology has not satisfied angry Chinese people. The post received more than 150,000 comments, both in English and Chinese, and many people said the apology was not sincere.
One user wrote: 'Sorry, we cannot forgive u .I think if the show isn't in Shanghai, maybe you won't say sorry.'
Another person said: 'Well Gigi, though you apologized,I don't think you have realized what you did was wrong. Maybe you thought it's just interesting and there's no big deal.
'But both of us know the meaning behind that act. If you apologize just because of the show, PLEASE do not!'
The annual Victoria's Secrect Fashion Show has been branded as 'the sexist' and 'the most watched fashion shows' in the world.
Last year, the extravagant runway show, held in Paris, received 1.4 billion views in more than 190 countries.
This year, models including Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Karlie Kloss and Gigi Hadid are set to strut their stuff wearing the iconic Angle Wings in China, a strategic and important market for the American lingerie brand.
MailOnline has contacted Victoria's Secret for comments on the controversy surrounding Gigi Hadid and is awaiting a reply.
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