Suni Lee Responds to ‘Bullying’ Following Her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Debut
Suni Lee didn’t merely walk the Victoria’s Secret runway — she confidently passed by the critics.
The 22-year-old, a six-time Olympic medalist, encountered some online negativity regarding her petite stature after making history at the VS Fashion Show as one of the first prominent athletes, alongside WNBA star Angel Reese, to grace the catwalk at the esteemed lingerie and loungewear event.
On Saturday, October 18, Lee shared a TikTok clip where she lip-synched to Ariana Grande‘s “Successful” as a rebuttal to her detractors, captioning her post, “Can u guys stop bullying me.”
“You were on the runway and they were mad and at HOME,” one fan passionately defended her against the haters.
Another social media user fervently defended her momentous achievement, stating, “Girl I got your back. Why are people bullying you because of your height, like u can’t control that bro,” to which Lee responded, “Like, literally.”
“Who’s bullying you?! I won’t allow it,” Ming Lee Simmons chimed in, showing her support.
Lee not only liked several supportive comments but also expressed her gratitude towards her followers, saying, “I love yall 😭🥹 my girls 🤍🤍”
The 5-foot gymnast exuded confidence as she made an appearance in a vibrant pink sports bra and underwear set, complemented by low-rise shorts and a matching jacket adorned with miniature wings while the K-pop group Twice performed during the event on October 15. She finished off her look with glittering pumps.
“Stepping into something like the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show felt like a dream outside of my comfort zone … But that’s exactly why I said yes,” Lee told Marie Claire in an interview leading up to the show. (Lee is a celebrated member of the “Golden Girls” squad that secured gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.)
Lee emphasized her desire to inspire young girls to embrace their uniqueness.
“Growing up, I didn’t see many girls who looked like me in spaces like this. Being here as an athlete, someone who has worked tirelessly to reach her dreams, feels empowering,” she added. “I want young girls to realize they don’t have to fit into just one mold. You can go after Olympic gold and still embrace your femininity.”
As for Reese, she made waves as one of the featured ladies in the “Wings Reveal” lineup.
Jasmine Tookes was a standout at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The 34-year-old model, who revealed her pregnancy in July, opened the show with a stunning “Mother of Pearl” vibe on Wednesday, October 15, in Brooklyn, New York, positively glowing […]
The two-time All-Star, 23, captivated the audience in a pink floral lingerie set combined with a feathered stole, as well as in lace lingerie paired with a cropped shirt and traditional angel wings.
Reese mirrored Lee’s sentiments while speaking to Us Weekly prior to her runway debut.
“I’m really excited,” Reese expressed to Us. “I’m thrilled to be in the midst of incredible women. Just a dream come true.”
Regarding her role as one of the first athletes to debut in the runway show, Reese shared, “It means everything. I know many people will be watching today, and I hope young girls can find inspiration to achieve their own dreams.”
She added, “Embrace being a multi-faceted athlete, businesswoman, fashionista, podcaster, entrepreneur — everything I’ve accomplished so far — and just keep living the dream.”
