Fans Slam Victoria’s Secret for Snubbing Model Romee Strijd After 5 Years: ‘The Show Is a Joke’

Romee Strijd is speaking out after learning she won’t be walking in this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and her fans aren’t happy about the decision.

The Dutch model, 31, expressed her disappointment in an emotional TikTok video on Monday, October 12, after learning she wouldn’t be part of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles on Sunday, October 18.

“I just hung up the phone. It’s a no, and it’s fine because rejection is part of modeling, and that’s totally fine,” Strijd said in the video.

In a follow-up TikTok post, the model, who previously walked in five consecutive Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows, explained that she was more upset about how the decision was handled than the rejection itself. She said she “doesn’t feel supported by her agency” and was frustrated by the lack of clear communication.

“I don’t feel like I have the straight story. Just be honest, just tell me, and I can go on with my life and let it go, because it’s fine,” Strijd said in the follow-up clip.

“If it’s a closed chapter, I just want to know, and now they kept me in the dark, like not knowing for so long, that I got a lot of mental stress from it,” she added.

According to Strijd, her agency, IMG Models, told her that casting directors didn’t think she would fit this year’s show. She claimed she had repeatedly asked for updates so she could make arrangements for her family, only to receive conflicting information about when the decision had been made.

Strijd shares two daughters, Mint, 5, and June, 3, with her husband, Laurens van Leeuwen. In the video, she explained that she had devoted considerable time and energy to preparing for the possibility of returning to the runway.

Strijd said the experience left her reluctant to pursue future Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows, although she wished this year’s production well.

Her videos quickly drew support from fans in the comments section.

“The show is a joke if they don’t even hire the OGs,” one person commented.

Another wrote, “Having Romee as a MAYBEEEE is crazy work?!”

One fan questioned the brand’s casting choices, writing, “You are one the most well known Angels to have ever walked a VS show and they chose influencers over YOU!!??”

Another added, “honestly…. if you don’t walk and they use influencers and nepo babies that’s a absolute joke!!! 😏”

Other commenters offered words of encouragement.

“You ARE the VS angel 🪽[,]” one wrote.

“The fact that they couldn’t even give you answer or clarity. I’m so sorry Romee! You’ll always be an angel in our eyes! 🪽[,]” another person commented.

According to The U.S. Sun, Gigi Hadid, Ashley Graham, Candice Swanepoel and Adriana Lima are among those returning to the runway, while longtime models Frida Aesen and Lais Ribeiro were also left out of this year’s lineup.

Victoria’s Secret has also introduced Angels Among Us, a YouTube series featuring aspiring models competing for a chance to walk in the show.

For Strijd’s supporters, however, the excitement surrounding the new lineup hasn’t lessened their disappointment over her absence.

“None of them have your smile and energy ✨💕[,]” one fan wrote in the comments section of her TikTok.