A supermodel accused of 'backing Putin's war' after allegedly alluding to his 'Z' symbol on Instagram has faced a furious backlash on social media.
Glamour Irina Shayk, 36, captioned a picture of a traditional Olivier salad with the phrase ‘Russianzz on Wednesday’ provoking outrage from Ukrainians and other social media users who believe it was a coded reference to the notorious war symbol.
They recalled the Russian-born star had previously posed with a book showing Vladimir Putin ’s image.
Ukrainian journalist Maria Romanenko called for sponsors to reconsider working with her over the post.
She posted on Twitter : ”Irina Shayk—world-famous model from Russia who’s recently worked for @ Beyonce, Jean Paul Gaultier, @Burberry , &others—posted a weird cryptic story on Instagram with the word “Russianzz”.
“I really hope these brands reconsider working with her when Russia uses Z to kill Ukrainians."
“You must be banned in [the] civilised world while you support Russian terrorism against Ukrainian people! Stay in Russia forever and forget about USA and Europe - hypocrisy,” wrote one critic.
“I can't imagine! How after all death caused by Russia you support them and write Z…” posted another.
The Z-sign is seen by some as the equivalent of the swastika, and is widely used by Putin’s forces as well as on pro-Russian propaganda.
Another hostile comment read: “Hopefully one day you will feel the same like people from Ukraine who lost their children.”
One more pleaded: “@n.k.9.6.1 @burberry @louisvuitton @balenciaga @chaneloffial @supremenwyork @boss @versace @intimissimiofficial please pay attention to who you are collaborating with.”
Shayk was accused of being a “supporter of the terrorist state Ruzzia and genocide of Ukrainians.”
Another commenter branded her a “Putin supporter” and asked: “@victoriassecret how does it feel to do collaborations with Russian fascist who supports Russia's genocidal war against Ukraine?”
Many comments referred to the carnage at Vinnytsia when 23 died including three children.
One asked: "Did you see those photos from [the] Vinnytsia bombardment?
“Did you see those small little bloody bodies of murdered by your Z-army kids, the age your daughter might be?
“Are you proud of it, Ms. Shaykhlislamova?
“I will never touch any brands that you promote, neither any of my friends will.
“We should boycott any company working with this monster.”
The story with the picture of the salad - a Russian specialty - vanished after 24 hours and Shayk has not commented on the hostile reaction.
But internet users recalled her posing in April 2020 with a picture of Putin, an image that has also disappeared from her account.
