Barbara Palvin responds to backlash over walking Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show weeks after welcoming baby

Barbara Palvin has spoken out about the ‘overwhelming’ reaction to her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show appearance, six weeks postpartum.

The Hungarian model, 33, welcomed her first child, a baby girl called Sylvie, with her husband Dylan Sprouse on 7 September.

Then, on 18 October, she took to the VS runway in Los Angeles for the iconic annual fashion show, as her actor husband watched on proudly from the sidelines.

Palvin’s decision to return to work six weeks after giving birth sparked important conversations and debates surrounding maternity leave and the expectations put on mothers, prompting the model herself to comment.

Speaking to E! News at the Sprouse House Halloween Party on 31 October, the actress explained: “Honestly, there were 50-50 with the reactions.”

She added: “Some people loved that I was back, and some people were like, maybe I should be resting at home.”

Although she felt ‘overwhelmed’ by the widespread reaction, the supermodel urged: “I'm lucky that I have the support from my husband and my family, and they were able to get me there.”

Barbara and Dylan issued fresh comments at their Halloween party over the weekend (Gilbert Flores/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Sprouse, who went viral for standing up and cheering for his wife, also commented on the situation and admitted that while he’s ‘proud,’ his support shouldn’t be seen as ‘extraordinary’.

He gushed: “I'm as proud as I could possibly be. It’s a difficult thing to do.”

Before emphasising that ‘it shouldn't be extraordinary to cheer for someone that you love walking and doing something that you're proud of them for’.

Sprouse advised: “For partners, just clap and cheer. I don't know why some people clutch their pearls about it.”

Palvin added that she was initially worried her hubby wouldn’t make her big moment, as he was coming home from filming, but thankfully caught his flight in time.

Earlier this month, on 22 October, she took to Instagram to share behind-the-scenes photos of the show, as a reminder ‘of the reality behind all the glam,’ including one of her wearing nursing pads while glammed up backstage.

Palvin took to the runway, six weeks after giving birth (Gilbert Flores/Getty Images)

She also shared photos of her ‘village’ of support, including her mum and, of course, Dylan, helping out with the baby.

Palvin wrote in the caption: “It really does take a village. Feeling incredibly blessed to have the love and support of my family and friends through this new chapter of my life. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

She issued a ‘huge thank you’ to Victoria’s Secret for ‘embracing me exactly where I am in my postpartum journey and making me feel so beautiful and confident’.

The model revealed: “ I mean, we were literally sewing nursing pads into my bras backstage! A little reminder of the reality behind all the glam.

“Going back to work was a choice I was lucky enough to make. And while I’m so grateful for this opportunity, I can’t help but think about all the mothers who don’t have that choice.

“In the US, so many women are expected to return to work just 6–8 weeks after giving birth, often without paid maternity leave. Mothers deserve more time, more support, and more choices.”

The model previously opened up about how motherhood 'takes a village' (Instagram/realbarbarapalvin)

She continued: “I’m so proud of this moment and what I accomplished, and I’m happy to be back in our little bubble with Sylvie.

“One thing I really want to say is that every postpartum journey looks different, and none of us should ever feel the need to compare.

“What you saw on that runway was me all dolled up, but my everyday postpartum reality looks very different. Some days, just finding time to take a shower or sit down and eat a meal in peace feels like a huge accomplishment. And that deserves to be celebrated too.”

Palvin concluded: “Because whether you’re walking a runway, going back to work, or simply making it through another sleepless night, we all have one incredible thing in common: we created a miracle. And that alone deserves to be celebrated.

“Motherhood is hard, beautiful, messy, emotional, and so, so worth it. Thank you for all the love. My heart is full. Let’s go, mamas! We’re all doing amazing.”