“Not pure Pinay?” Victoria Secret model Kelsey Merritt answers bashers

MANILA, Philippines – Model Kelsey Merritt defended herself against bashers who said that “she’s not Pinay enough.”
“Not pure Pinay?” Victoria Secret model Kelsey Merritt answers bashers

“Not pure Pinay?” Victoria Secret model Kelsey Merritt answers bashers
Kelsey Merritt is the first Filipina to soon walk the Victoria's Secret runway. Photo Courtesy: Instagram/Kelsey Merritt

The Filipino-American model recently made a mark in the fashion world as the first ever Filipina chosen to walk in the iconic Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Merritt, whose mother is a Filipina gave the honor to the Philippines saying, “We did it, Philippines!” She went on to thank all her followers calling them her “rock” and saying “I couldn’t have done this without you guys. Thank you for your never ending support I LOVE Y’ALL!!!”


While many applauded and celebrated with Merritt, there were those who downplayed her success, commenting that her “eurocentric looks” was nothing close to a “pure Pinay” beauty. Several netizens shared their opinion that Merritt doesn’t represent Filipinos.


Merritt, a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University didn’t back down and defended herself from bashers. On Twitter, the model explained in Tagalog that only was she born in the Philippines but she actually grew up in Pampanga. Merritt added, “Mas pinoy pa dugo ko kesa sa mga “pure” na hindi pa nakatapak sa Pilipinas. I love my country and I’m proud of where I came from.”

Merritt is a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University.
Merritt is a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University.


Several netizens went on to give their support to Merritt saying that the model is a Filipino by heart. They questioned why “half-Pinoys” seem to be bashed when they represent Filipino culture.





Victoria Secret Fashion Show is considered to be the “most watched fashion event in the world.” Annually, it has an estimate of 800 million viewers and costs a whopping average of $12 million spent for the show.

— Sally, The Summit Express



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