Needed to share this because GAAAAHHH—it is SO frustrating!
TL;DR: The first image is from a Metro article quoting parts of Bella Hadid’s recent interview with British Vogue. In her interview with Vogue journalist Giles Hattersley, she opens up about her struggles with endometriosis, as well as other chronic conditions, including Lyme disease, ADHD, and depression. Of the 3000+ words the article consisted of, one of the few quotes the Metro chose to highlight was: “I’m going to talk to the White House about it, because we should literally ban women working on the week of their period. And the week before, to be honest.”
When you read the full Vogue interview, it’s very clear that Bella is speaking as someone who suffers from extremely painful periods that seriously affect her day-to-day life. She’s sharing her experience and raising awareness—fantastic.
The second image is a letter also printed by Metro, from Professor Mary Sheppard—Head of Cardiovascular Pathology, City St George’s University of London—who responded to the Metro commentary on the Vogue article, via the Metro Opinion section to say she was “white with rage” and that Hadid was “totally out of touch with female humanity” and should “stick to the modelling.” Honestly, it’s like the Russian doll of journalism.
Here’s where I think Professor Sheppard misses the mark
In her British Vogue interview, Hadid speaks candidly about navigating life and work with a host of chronic health issues, one of which is endometriosis. She describes creating an alter ego to get through gruelling photoshoots, despite the relentless pain and fatigue she experiences.
One quote that Metro specifically called out was:
“You’re shooting Victoria’s Secret on your period, with endo. That should be illegal.”
As someone who waited more than a decade for an endometriosis diagnosis and has lived with it for most of my adult life, the idea of doing anything as physically exposing and demanding as a Victoria’s Secret shoot while on my period is unimaginable. Getting out of bed on day one can be near impossible. Strutting around in tiny underwear? Absolutely not.
Hadid continues:
“I’m going to talk to the White House about it, because we should literally ban women working on the week of their period. And the week before, to be honest.”
That, it seems, was what pushed Professor Sheppard over the edge. In her letter to Metro, she writes that she was “white with rage”, arguing that Hadid should “stick to the modelling” and dismisses her comments as “totally out of touch with female humanity.” Professor Sheppard goes on to say that “While I agree that women with severe endometriosis suffer, there are therapies available. The average woman does not need to be medicalised or considered unclean or unhealthy during this time.”
But here’s the thing: that response does exactly what Sheppard accuses Hadid of. It erases lived experiences. It reinforces the very stigma that Hadid is trying to dismantle.
Anyone familiar with endometriosis—or any chronic illness—will know that Hadid’s “White House” line wasn’t a genuine call for policy reform. It was a flash of hyperbole. A moment of raw humour from someone in pain, trying to make a point about just how bad it gets.
Hadid wasn’t claiming to speak for all women. She was speaking for herself—and for the many who relate. When Sheppard says “most women can fully function” during their period, she completely disregards those of us for whom that isn’t the case.
It reminds me of when Chappell Roan, on a recent episode of Call Her Daddy, said: “All of my friends who have kids are in hell. I actually don’t know anyone who’s happy and has children at this age.” (She’s 27.) She faced a wave of backlash from angry internet mums who felt she was belittling motherhood. But come on—SHE WASN’T TALKING ABOUT YOU. And if you’re not someone whose pain is so severe you're crying for three hours before leaving the house, then Bella isn’t talking to you either. Why do women have to defend and prove themselves over and over again just to be taken seriously—even by other women? Aren’t we done with this exhausting cycle of tearing each other down?
Professor Sheppard also criticised Hadid for being wealthy and freelance, as though money cancels out pain. “Nobody else has forced her to do it,” she writes. “Most other females do not have this choice.” But anyone who’s lived with chronic illness will tell you: pain doesn’t care how much money you make or who your family are. And (speaking from experience), being freelance can often make it harder to take time off, not easier. Especially if you're someone like Bella who’s under pressure to perform, meet expectations, and secure high-paying contracts. Yes, Bella Hadid lives a privileged life, but that doesn’t mean she can’t experience the same physical pain as you or I.
Hadid’s comments weren’t a manifesto. They were an honest insight into how hard it can be to show up when your body is waging war on you. We should be grateful that someone with such a huge platform is speaking up about invisible illness. Responses like Professor Sheppard’s only perpetuate the culture of silence—and shame—that so many people with chronic conditions already live under.