Heidi Klum Faces Backlash For Posing In Lingerie With Daughter Leni—Again

Heidi Klum is once again facing backlash for her latest lingerie campaign with her 20-year-old daughter, Leni Klum. The 51-year-old supermodel, who has built a long and successful career as one of the most recognized faces in fashion, teamed up with Leni for a photo shoot with the Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi.

The mother-daughter duo posed together in a series of playful shots for the brand’s Fall/Winter campaign, modeling delicate lingerie sets while taking photos of each other. The ad was shared across social media and immediately sparked controversy, with some viewers finding it “strange” and “inappropriate” for a mother and daughter to pose together in such an intimate fashion.

This is not the first time Heidi and Leni have collaborated on a lingerie campaign, nor is it the first time they’ve faced criticism. The pair first garnered attention in 2022 when Leni, then 18, made her lingerie modeling debut alongside her mother for Intimissimi.

That campaign also raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether such a photo shoot was appropriate. Since then, they have participated in multiple campaigns for the brand, marking Leni’s entry into the fashion world while celebrating her transition into adulthood.

As with previous campaigns, their latest photo shoot has fueled an ongoing debate about the boundaries of family relationships in fashion.

Social media erupted with mixed reactions after Heidi shared the campaign on her Instagram, proudly announcing the launch of the new collection.

While some praised the mother-daughter duo for their confidence and beauty, many were quick to voice their discomfort. “Quite strange to do this with your mum,” one commenter wrote, while another said, “Strange she’s touching your panties.”

Other users echoed these sentiments, questioning why a mother and daughter would model lingerie together and pointing out that it felt out of place. The backlash highlights a divide between those who appreciate the photo shoot as a celebration of body positivity and familial closeness, and those who feel the line between personal and professional has been blurred.

For Heidi, these photo shoots are not just a professional endeavor, but a personal one as well.

In response to previous criticism, Heidi has made it clear that she is proud of her daughter’s confidence and independence. Modeling lingerie, especially alongside her mother, reflects Leni’s self-assurance, according to Heidi.

"It makes me proud that my daughter is super comfortable in her skin, even in front of me," Heidi explained during an interview last year. For Heidi, this closeness and comfort with Leni is something to celebrate, not something to hide or feel ashamed of.

Intimissimi

Leni has also spoken out about the backlash they’ve received over the years. In an interview with Page Six, Leni expressed that she doesn’t dwell on the criticism, choosing instead to focus on the positive aspects of her experience.

"I think the photos turned out great," she said, noting that she enjoyed the day spent shooting with her mom and is happy with the final result. To Leni, the photo shoot is simply a fun and professional collaboration, and the backlash doesn’t deter her from pursuing her modeling career.

Dave Benett/amfAR/Getty Images for amfAR

As the debate surrounding their photo shoots continues, it seems neither Heidi nor Leni are fazed by the negativity. For them, it’s about celebrating their bodies, their confidence, and their close relationship.

While some may not agree with their decision to model lingerie together, Heidi and Leni remain unapologetic, standing by their choice to share these moments. What others find controversial, they find empowering—a statement of self-love and mutual respect between a mother and daughter who share a unique bond.

Cultural Perspectives on Mother-Daughter Relationships

Dr. Madeline Levine, a renowned child psychologist, emphasizes that families often navigate complex cultural expectations regarding parental involvement in their children's lives.

She notes that while some view Heidi and Leni Klum's collaboration as empowering, others see it as inappropriate, reflecting differing values around familial boundaries and public personas.

Dr. Levine suggests that open dialogue within families about boundaries, self-expression, and societal pressures can help mitigate backlash and foster understanding.

Encouraging diverse perspectives within family discussions can lead to healthier dynamics and a more robust understanding of one another’s viewpoints.

Psychologists have long studied the impact of public perception on personal identity, particularly in high-profile families like the Klums. Research suggests that the visibility of such relationships can amplify both support and criticism.

Dr. Laura Berman, a well-known sex therapist, points out that the line between intimate family moments and public exposure can become blurred in celebrity culture.

She recommends establishing clear communication about comfort levels with public visibility to maintain healthy boundaries. This proactive approach can help mitigate potential backlash and ensure that both parent and child feel supported in their choices.

Analysis & Recommendations

As societal norms continue to evolve, the balance between personal expression and public scrutiny remains delicate. Experts like Dr. Ian Kerner highlight the importance of emotional intelligence in navigating these situations.

Kerner suggests that developing a strong sense of self can empower individuals to make choices that resonate with their values, regardless of external opinions. By fostering open communication and setting clear boundaries, families can create a supportive environment that allows for self-expression while also respecting personal limits.

Ultimately, the goal should be to harmonize individual needs with the familial and societal expectations that shape our lives.