Heidi Klum Faces Backlash For Posing In Lingerie With Daughter Leni—Again
Heidi Klum is once again facing backlash for her latest lingerie campaign with her 20-year-old daughter, Leni Klum. The 51-year-old supermodel, who has built a long and successful career as one of the most recognized faces in fashion, teamed up with Leni for a photo shoot with the Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi.
The mother-daughter duo posed together in a series of playful shots for the brand’s Fall/Winter campaign, modeling delicate lingerie sets while taking photos of each other. The ad was shared across social media and immediately sparked controversy, with some viewers finding it “strange” and “inappropriate” for a mother and daughter to pose together in such an intimate fashion.
This is not the first time Heidi and Leni have collaborated on a lingerie campaign, and it’s not the first time they’ve been met with criticism either. The pair first garnered attention in 2022 when Leni, then 18, made her lingerie modeling debut alongside her mother for Intimissimi.
That campaign also raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether such a photoshoot was appropriate. Since then, they have participated in multiple campaigns for the brand, marking Leni’s entry into the fashion world while celebrating her transition into adulthood.
As with previous campaigns, their latest photoshoot has fueled an ongoing debate about the boundaries of family relationships in fashion.
Social media erupted with mixed reactions after Heidi shared the campaign on her Instagram, proudly announcing the launch of the new collection.
While some praised the mother-daughter duo for their confidence and beauty, many were quick to voice their discomfort. “Quite strange to do this with your mum,” one commenter wrote, while another said, “Strange she’s touching your panties.”
Other users echoed these sentiments, questioning why a mother and daughter would model lingerie together and pointing out that it felt out of place. The backlash highlights a divide between those who appreciate the photoshoot as a celebration of body positivity and familial closeness, and others who feel the line between personal and professional has been blurred.
For Heidi, these photoshoots are not just a professional endeavor, but a personal one as well.
In response to previous criticism, Heidi has made it clear that she is proud of her daughter’s confidence and independence. Modeling lingerie, especially alongside her mother, is a reflection of Leni’s self-assurance, according to Heidi.
"It makes me proud that my daughter is super comfortable in her skin, also in front of me," Heidi explained during an interview last year. For Heidi, this closeness and comfort with Leni is something to celebrate, not something to hide or feel ashamed of.
IntimissimiLeni has also spoken out about the backlash they’ve received over the years. In an interview with Page Six, Leni expressed that she doesn’t dwell on the criticism, choosing instead to focus on the positive aspects of her experience.
"I think the photos turned out great," she said, noting that she enjoyed the day spent shooting with her mom and is happy with the final result. To Leni, the photoshoot is simply a fun and professional collaboration, and the backlash doesn’t deter her from pursuing her modeling career.
Dave Benett/amfAR/Getty Images for amfARAs the debate surrounding their photoshoots continues, it seems neither Heidi nor Leni are fazed by the negativity. For them, it’s about celebrating their bodies, their confidence, and their close relationship.
While some may not agree with their decision to model lingerie together, Heidi and Leni remain unapologetic, standing by their choice to share these moments. What others find controversial, they find empowering—a statement of self-love and mutual respect between a mother and daughter who share a unique bond.
