Heidi Klum Defends Lingerie Photoshoots with Daughter Leni Amid Criticism
Los Angeles, CA – July 29, 2025 – Supermodel Heidi Klum has addressed the backlash surrounding her joint lingerie photoshoots with her 21-year-old daughter, Leni Klum, for the Italian brand Intimissimi. The mother-daughter duo, who have collaborated on multiple campaigns for the brand, faced criticism for their recent ads, with some social media users calling the shoots “inappropriate” and “uncomfortable.” Despite the negative feedback, Klum remains unfazed, emphasizing her pride in her daughter and their shared comfort in the modeling industry.
In an interview with People magazine, Klum, 52, responded to critics who questioned the decision to pose together in lingerie. “A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I don’t know about mom and daughter doing this together,’” she said. “But for us? I’m proud of my daughter. She’s fine with me like that.” Klum attributed her openness about her body to her European upbringing, stating, “I’ve always been very open with my body. When I’m suntanning in the backyard, I might not have a top on. I’m European … My kids don’t know me any other way and are probably more easygoing with their bodies because of it.”
The latest Intimissimi campaign, featuring Klum and Leni in minimalist silk and microfiber lingerie, was shared on Instagram, prompting mixed reactions. While some praised the duo’s confidence and beauty, others expressed discomfort. One commenter wrote, “This makes me feel uncomfortable. Heidi looks amazing, but why would you pose in lace revealing lingerie with your mother?” Another added, “Gives me a yucky feeling.” However, supporters countered, with one user noting, “Two beautiful ladies! I can’t imagine why anyone would be critical of this. People have been modeling underwear forever.”
Leni, who began her modeling career at 16, also addressed the criticism in a March 2025 interview with Glamour Germany. “I always try to remember that no matter what you do, there will always be someone who doesn’t like it,” she said. “You simply have no control over it and you can’t focus too much on the negative.” She added, with a touch of humor, “Most of the comments are in German, and I don’t really understand many of them. That helps too.”
This is not the first time the Klums have faced scrutiny for their Intimissimi campaigns. Since their first joint shoot in October 2022, each subsequent campaign has sparked debate, with some calling the mother-daughter pairing “weird” or “disturbing.” In response to earlier criticism, Leni told Page Six in 2022, “I honestly didn’t look at a lot of the reactions. I am overall happy with the campaign, and I had an amazing day with my mom. I think the photos turned out great.”
Heidi and Leni’s collaboration extends beyond lingerie, as they appeared together on the cover of Vogue Germany in 2021, marking Leni’s modeling debut. “So excited for my first cover!! I had so much fun on set with @voguegermany couldn’t dream of a better start!! Thank you for being by my side @heidiklum,” Leni wrote on Instagram at the time.
Despite the controversy, the Klums remain committed to their partnership with Intimissimi, with Heidi describing the shoots as “fun” and a reflection of their close relationship. The duo’s latest campaign, featuring elegant and comfortable designs, is currently displayed on billboards across Germany and on television, further solidifying their presence in the fashion world.
As Leni continues to carve her own path in the modeling industry, following in the footsteps of her mother—a former Victoria’s Secret Angel—she credits Heidi’s guidance for her success. “Without my mother’s advice, I would have approached the matter a little naively and wouldn’t have had such an understanding of what goes into modeling,” Leni told Glamour Germany. “It’s not just jumping in front of the camera and looking pretty, but a lot of things happen behind the scenes that you can no longer see in the end product.”
The Klums’ resilience in the face of criticism highlights their confidence and dedication to their craft, proving that their mother-daughter bond is as strong off-camera as it is in the spotlight.