After becoming the subject of an online hate campaign, Gigi Hadid has defended her controversial impression of the future First Lady, Melania Trump.

Following her impersonation of Donald Trump’s wife at Sunday night’s American Music Awards ceremony in LA, the 21-year-old was branded “racist” by critics who denounced her adoption of an exaggerated European accent in a skit which referenced Michelle Obama’s “stolen” speech.

This morning, the Hilfiger model issued a statement on Twitter claiming her portrayal of Melania was conducted in “good humour and with no bad intent”.

 

TOMORROW! Jay and I host the @AMAs – 8/7c on @abcnetwork #AMAs

A photo posted by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) on

In the handwritten note, Gigi explained how she “removed or changed anything in the script that [she] felt took the joke too far”, before stressing her belief that “Melania understands show business”.

“I too have been the centre of a nationally televised comedy skit that poked fun at my actions,” she wrote.  “And [I] was able to find the humour in it.”

“I believe Melania understands show business and the way shows are written and run.”

In her closing statement, the young star apologised to those offended by the performance and insisted she has “only the best wishes for [her] country”.