Gisele Bündchen came to fellow model Doutzen Kroes’ defense after Kroes expressed on social media that she has no plans to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
“I know Doutzen and she is a kind and loving person,” Bündchen, 41, commented Saturday on Kroes’ Instagram post about dodging the jab. “I can’t believe the hate being directed at her because she expressed her feelings.”
She continued, “It saddens me to see all the judgment and the lack of empathy in so many peoples hearts. Hate is not the answer.”
Bündchen, who shares two young children with NFL superstar husband Tom Brady, then implored critics to find compassion for Kroes, 36, despite the latter’s stance on the FDA-approved vaccine.
“I invite you to silence your mind and go deep within to find love in your heart so we can all unite in peace and create harmony in our lives and in our world,” she wrote. “We need it more than ever.”
As of Sunday night, Bündchen’s comment racked up nearly 5,000 “likes.”
After taking a break from social media, Kroes returned Friday to share her thoughts on COVID-19 vaccines and explain why she is avoiding them.
“I will not be forced to take the shot. I will not be forced to prove my health to participate in society. I will not accept exclusion of people based on their medical status,” she wrote in a lengthy Instagram post.
“Freedom of speech is a right worth fighting for but we can only solve this united in peace and love!” she added. “Pass on the torch of hope and love and speak your truth. ❤️.”
Kroes’ post was immediately met with sharp criticism from followers who urged her to reconsider her point of view.
“So irresponsable [sic] 😔,” one person wrote. “and even more irresponsible to post this online with so many followers.”
Added another, “If too many people will refuse to get vaccinated, new variants of the virus will be spread and that means that even the people who chose to get vaccinated will be at risk, which is not fair at all.”
According to the CDC, the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and known to maximize protection from emerging variants — including Delta — while possibly preventing the virus from spreading to others.
Kroes isn’t the only star refusing to get vaxxed, however. Others who remain skeptical include Nicki Minaj, Olivia Newton-John, Elon Musk and Rob Schneider.