Bella Hadid – Biography, Activism and Orebella in 2025
Bella Hadid has become one of the most recognizable faces in fashion, a supermodel who uses her platform to advocate for Palestinian human rights and build her own beauty brand, Orebella. Born Isabella Khair Hadid in Washington, D.C., and raised in Santa Barbara, California, she rose to prominence quickly after signing with IMG Models in 2014. Her career, however, is only part of the story – her public battles with Lyme disease, her candid activism, and her recent move into entrepreneurship define a figure who operates at the intersection of glamour and advocacy.
With an estimated net worth approaching $30 million in 2025, according to Social Life Magazine, and a social media following of over 60 million on Instagram, Hadid commands attention wherever she goes. Yet she has also faced significant backlash, including death threats over her pro-Palestinian stance. This article provides a comprehensive look at her biography, career milestones, activism, business ventures, and personal life, drawn from verified sources.
Who Is Bella Hadid? – Biography, Age, and Background
Key Insights About Bella Hadid
- Bella Hadid rose to fame quickly after signing with IMG Models in 2014, walking for top designers at New York Fashion Week.
- She is widely recognized for her outspoken support of Palestinian rights, using her platform to raise awareness about Gaza.
- In 2024, she launched Orebella, a clean beauty and fragrance brand, signaling a shift from modeling to entrepreneurship.
- Despite ongoing health issues (Lyme disease), she remains one of the most followed models on Instagram (59 million).
- Her family connections – father Mohamed Hadid (real estate), mother Yolanda (former model), sister Gigi (supermodel) – are often in the spotlight.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Agency | IMG Models (since 2014) |
| Net Worth (est.) | $8–10 million (2025) |
| Instagram Followers | 59 million |
| TikTok Followers | 10 million |
| Brand Founder | Orebella (clean beauty) |
| Activism | Pro-Palestinian, spoke at protests, used social media to document Gaza crisis |
| Health Condition | Lyme disease (diagnosed 2021, undergoing treatment) |
What Is Bella Hadid’s Ethnicity and Family Background?
Bella Hadid is of Palestinian and Dutch descent. Her father, Mohamed Hadid, is a Palestinian real estate developer and architect; her mother, Yolanda Hadid (born van den Herik), is a former Dutch model who starred on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She was raised Muslim, celebrates Eid and Ramadan, and has publicly declared, “I am proud to be a Muslim,” according to her biography on Biography.com.
Parents and Siblings
Bella’s older sister, Gigi Hadid, is also a supermodel. Her younger brother, Anwar Hadid, models as well. She also has stepsiblings: Marielle and Alana from her father’s side, and David Foster’s children from her mother’s brief marriage to music producer David Foster.
Is Bella Hadid Full Palestinian?
No. She is half Palestinian (through her father) and half Dutch (through her mother). Her Palestinian heritage is a central part of her identity, and she has frequently spoken about her connection to the region.
Alana Hadid is Bella’s older half-sister from her father’s previous marriage. She keeps a relatively low profile compared to the supermodel siblings.
How Did Bella Hadid Become a Top Model? – Career Highlights
Early Start and Rise to Fame
Bella began modeling at age 16 with a campaign for Flynn Skye. She signed with IMG Models in August 2014 and made her New York Fashion Week debut the following month. Her runway career quickly accelerated, and in 2016 she was voted “Model of the Year” by Models.com.
Vogue Covers and Major Campaigns
In 2017, she broke the record for the most Vogue September covers in a single year, appearing in five international editions. She is best known as the face of Dior, holding a multi-year relationship spanning beauty and couture – a significant portion of her income. She has also starred in campaigns for Bulgari, Fendi, Tag Heuer, Jacquemus, and Magnum Ice Cream.
Income and Net Worth
Her active modeling income is estimated at $3–8 million annually, with individual contracts ranging from $500,000 to several million dollars based on exclusivity. Net worth estimates vary widely: Social Life Magazine reports it approaches $30 million in 2025, while other sources cite $8–10 million or $25 million in 2023.
In 2024, Bella faced backlash for participating in an Adidas campaign promoting a sneaker linked to the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre. Adidas subsequently pulled the campaign featuring her, and she apologized.
Is Bella Hadid an Activist? – Her Stance on Palestine and Politics
Advocacy for Palestinian Rights
Deeply connected to her Palestinian roots, Bella actively advocates for Palestinian rights and has condemned the genocidal actions in Gaza, according to statements covered by Biography.com and Wikipedia. In January 2017, she and Gigi protested against Trump’s travel ban. In May 2024, the sisters donated $1 million to four organizations providing aid to children and families in Palestine.
Backlash and Threats
Her pro-Palestinian stance has led to hundreds of daily death threats and the leaking of her phone number, as documented on her Wikipedia page. She has stated she wants to “change something in the world for the better” and uses her fame to benefit others.
Some online sources suggest a link between Bella Hadid and British politician Yvette Cooper regarding Gaza, but no verified quotes or direct involvement have been confirmed in reliable reporting.
What Is Orebella? – Bella Hadid’s Business Ventures
Launch of Orebella (2024)
In 2024, Bella launched Orebella, her own fragrance and body care line. Unlike licensing deals, she built the brand herself. The name combines “ore” (meaning gold) and “bella” (beautiful). It emphasizes natural ingredients.
Sheer Collection and Future Plans
In 2025, Orebella introduced a limited-edition sheer makeup line featuring tinted lip balms and highlighters. Industry observers expect the brand to expand into skincare and makeup, following the trajectory of celebrity-owned lines like Fenty and Rare Beauty.
Who Is Bella Hadid Dating? – Personal Life and Health
Relationship with Adan Banuelos
As of 2025, Bella is in a relationship with Adan Banuelos, an established horse trainer. This reconnects her to the equestrian world she left behind due to Lyme disease. In 2024, the couple moved to Fort Worth, Texas. It remains unclear whether the relationship is still ongoing, as no official confirmation has been made since early 2025.
Health Battles: Lyme Disease, Anxiety, and Anorexia
Bella was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease in 2012 – a condition that also affects her mother Yolanda and brother Anwar. The diagnosis forced her to quit her dream of becoming an Olympian in equestrian sports (she was training for the 2016 Rio Olympics). She has also openly shared her struggles with anxiety and anorexia, posting without makeup during flares to raise awareness for Lyme disease research.
Based on interviews, Bella describes herself as introspective and deeply emotional. She enjoys horseback riding, painting, and spending time in nature. These traits are subjective, however, and not clinically assessed.
Career and Life Timeline
- 1996 – Born in Washington, D.C. to Mohamed Hadid and Yolanda Hadid.
- 2012 – Started modeling at age 16 with a campaign for Flynn Skye.
- 2014 – Signed with IMG Models; made NYFW debut.
- 2016 – Won “Model of the Year” at the British Fashion Awards.
- 2018 – First Vogue cover (Vogue China); began dating musician The Weeknd (off/on).
- 2021 – Revealed Lyme disease diagnosis; took break from modeling.
- 2023 – Became vocal on Palestine after October 7 attacks; attended pro-Palestinian rallies.
- 2024 – Launched Orebella fragrance/beauty line; relationship with horseman Adan Banuelos confirmed.
- 2025 – Continued modeling (Dior, Burberry) while expanding Orebella; ongoing activism.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Bella Hadid’s birth date and place (public records). | Exact net worth figures – vary by source (Celebrity Net Worth vs. Forbes estimates). |
| She is of Palestinian and Dutch descent (father Palestinian, mother Dutch). | Current relationship status with Adan Banuelos – no official confirmation since early 2025. |
| She has founded Orebella (official press releases). | Extent of her involvement with Yvette Cooper or specific Gaza organizations – unverified quotes. |
| She has publicly supported the Palestinian cause (multiple verified posts and speeches). | Future of her full-time modeling career – she stated she wants to focus on Orebella, but still books campaigns. |
| She suffers from Lyme disease (disclosed in 2021). | Personality traits – subjective; based on interviews but not medically/psychologically assessed. |
Analysis and Context: Bella Hadid’s Cultural Impact
Bella Hadid occupies a unique space in pop culture: a top model who leveraged her platform for political activism while building a clean beauty empire. Her Palestinian identity has shaped her public persona, leading to both praise and backlash. The intersection of fashion and activism raises questions about brand risk, authenticity, and influence. Orebella represents a strategic pivot – moving from endorsing others’ products to owning her own. Meanwhile, her health journey (Lyme disease) humanizes her image. This article contextualizes her rise within the broader trends of celebrity activism and direct-to-consumer beauty brands.
Quotes and Sources
“I am proud to be Palestinian. I stand with my people.”
— Bella Hadid via Instagram (2023), during Gaza conflict
“I know I can speak freely because I have a platform, but it’s terrifying.”
— Interview with Vogue (2024), on speaking about politics
“Orebella is about self-discovery and acceptance.”
— Orebella launch press release (2024)
“I’ve been suffering from Lyme disease for years; it’s a daily battle.”
— Instagram live / People magazine (2021), health disclosure
Summary: Why Bella Hadid Matters Today
Bella Hadid is far more than a supermodel. She is a vocal activist, a health advocate, and an entrepreneur who has turned her personal experiences into a brand. Her influence extends from the runway to the frontlines of political protest, and her business, Orebella, marks a new chapter in her career. For those interested in celebrity activism and the business of beauty, Bella Hadid remains a compelling figure to watch. For more on similar personalities, see our profile on Kelly Brook – Age, Husband, Movies and What She Does Today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bella Hadid’s religious background?
Bella has stated she was raised with Christian values (mother’s side) but also respects her Palestinian Muslim heritage. She does not publicly identify with a specific religion.
Has Bella Hadid been in any movies?
She has made cameo appearances in music videos (e.g., for The Weeknd) and briefly appeared on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with her family, but no major film roles.
What is the ‘Bella Hadid Sheer’ collection?
A limited-edition sheer makeup line launched under Orebella in 2025, featuring tinted lip balms and highlighters.
Why is Bella Hadid often compared to Gigi Hadid?
As supermodel sisters, they are frequently compared in terms of style, career achievements, and personal lives. They have a close relationship but different modeling aesthetics.
Does Bella Hadid have any siblings?
Yes: older sister Gigi Hadid (full sister), younger brother Anwar Hadid, and two older half-siblings from her father’s side (Marielle and Alana Hadid).
What does ‘Orebella’ mean?
Orebella is a combination of ‘ore’ (meaning gold) and ‘bella’ (beautiful). The brand emphasizes natural ingredients.
How old was Bella Hadid when she started modeling?
She began at age 16 with a campaign for Flynn Skye, then signed with IMG Models at 17.
What is Bella Hadid’s most famous modeling campaign?
She is best known as the face of Dior, with a multi-year relationship across beauty and couture.
Has Bella Hadid faced backlash for her activism?
Yes. Her pro-Palestinian stance has led to hundreds of daily death threats and the leaking of her phone number, as documented on Wikipedia.
Where does Bella Hadid live now?
In 2024, she moved to Fort Worth, Texas, with horse trainer Adan Banuelos.
For another fascinating biography, check out Jessica Simpson – Biography, Net Worth and 2026 Tour News.
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