Canadian model, Winnie Harlow, was one of many famous faces appreciated in Beyoncé’s captivating narrative focused on the strength of black women. Though, it was an appearance she is very proud of, Winne recently opened up about how she almost missed her chance to appear in the short film.
In an interview with W magazine, the 21-year-old, former America’s Next Top Model contestant revealed that she nearly declined the offer after her agent didn’t call Beyoncé’s people back, according to Daily Mail.
“I was actually contacted by Beyoncé’s team a couple weeks prior but my agent at the time didn’t get back to them because they wouldn’t tell us much about the project,” The model told W magazine.
Luckily, just one day before the shoot took place, Harlow was called directly, “Beyoncé wants you. Can you fly to New Orleans tomorrow?”
The model agreed with no hesitation.
Harlow appeared in the politically charged song “Freedom”, along side the mothers of Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown and Eric Garner, which set on a New Orleans plantation.
Once her scenes were completed, Harlow had the opportunity to speak with Beyoncé and her mother, Tina Knowles. She explained, “I wanted to thank her for acknowledging me as a strong black woman and uplifted and continuing to empower us all. That made her so happy.” She continued, “She said that’s exactly what she wanted to do and feels even more responsible now that she has Blue. I’m so happy to be a part of her iconic story now.”
The young star describes herself as a ‘vitiligo spokesmodel,’ which is a skin condition characterized by areas of the skin losing pigment, the same condition Michael Jackson had. Her appearance in Beyoncé’s film looks set to expand her career as an honest, motivational, strong black model.
