Linda Evangelista Refuses to Shoulder Responsibility for Plastic Surgery Incident: 'No Wrongdoing on My Part'
Linda Evangelista sheds the burden of self-blame for the cosmetic procedure mishap that left her feeling permanently deformed and brutally disfigured Discover her inspiring journey towards self-acceptance and resilience Don't miss out on this empowering tale!
Linda Evangelista attends the Kering Foundation Second Annual Caring For Women Dinner on September 12, 2023 in New York City. Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Kering
In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Linda Evangelista, 58, spoke candidly about the cosmetic procedure that resulted in what she described as "permanent deformation" and "severe disfigurement." "Although I am still affected by how people perceive me, it no longer troubles me as much as it once did," she revealed. "I've come to realize that I am not at fault for what happened, despite believing so for a long time."
She stated, "I'm still dealing with it, but I'm actively trying to diminish the guilt and shame. I refuse to let it control my life. If I had known how many people cared, I wouldn't have isolated myself." In September 2021, she disclosed on Instagram that she had undergone CoolSculpting to reduce fat cells, but instead, the procedure reportedly caused an increase and left her permanently disfigured despite two unsuccessful corrective surgeries.
Evangelista, who rose to supermodel fame with Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington, revealed that she avoids looking in the mirror. "My son will occasionally point out a pimple on my chin, and I'll be surprised. But life is just better without mirrors," she said.
On September 14, 2023, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Linda Evangelista were seen together onstage at Vogue World: London, held at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The event was captured by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Vogue.
Evangelista, a two-time breast cancer survivor, expressed that her primary focus is to "stay alive," after being diagnosed in December 2018 and July 2020. "When I hear other people's stories, I think, 'Oh God, I have no right to complain,'" she shared with the outlet.
In September 2021, Evangelista disclosed that she had experienced a rare side effect known as Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), which had drastic effects on her appearance. She expressed that PAH not only impacted her livelihood but also led her to experience deep depression, profound sadness, and intense self-loathing. As a result, she became withdrawn and reclusive.
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Evangelista filed a $50 million lawsuit against Zeltiq Aesthetics Inc. The lawsuit was resolved in July 2022 for an undisclosed sum.
In an Instagram statement, she expressed her satisfaction with the settlement of the CoolSculpting case. "I am eager to move forward to the next chapter of my life with loved ones, and I am glad to leave this issue in the past. I am genuinely thankful for the support I have received from those who have reached out."
