The Hidden Reality Behind Victoria’s Secret

The glitz and glamour of the Victoria’s Secret runway once defined an era of beauty—impossibly perfect models, star-studded fashion shows, and a brand that seemed untouchable. But beneath the dazzling lights, a far darker story was unfolding—one of exploitation, abuse, and a culture that valued image over well-being.

The Price of Perfection

Australian supermodel Bridget Malcolm, once celebrated as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, has pulled back the curtain on the industry’s harshest secrets. Behind her radiant smile was a young woman battling anorexia, drug pressure, and relentless bullying. Agents told her to stop eating, to use cocaine to lose weight, and even suggested sex as a means to slim down. “I was dead inside,” she recalls, describing years spent as a shell of herself, physically and emotionally drained by the demands of the job.

The message was clear: the thinner, the better. Bridget’s longest stretch without food was three days, a period marked by fainting and self-loathing for not enduring longer. Ironically, her most in-demand years coincided with her deepest suffering—her hair fell out, her period stopped, and climbing a flight of stairs became a monumental task. Yet, when she gained just half an inch on her hips, Victoria’s Secret dropped her, declaring her “too big”.

A Culture of Control and Silence

Bridget’s experience was not unique. Many models faced similar pressures, with eating disorders, anxiety, and panic attacks becoming the norm. The company’s culture, she says, was “extremely exploitative,” focused on controlling women and pushing them to unattainable standards. “No one was holding a gun to my head,” Bridget admits, “but it was a controlling, traumatic experience”.

The abuse wasn’t limited to body shaming. Sexual harassment and bullying were rampant. Executives made demeaning comments about women’s bodies, and complaints about harassment were routinely silenced with non-disclosure agreements. One former public relations team member recounted being humiliated by a top executive for simply wanting more food at lunch, only to have her complaints laughed off by management.

The Fall—and the Reckoning

As the truth emerged, Victoria’s Secret’s empire began to crumble. Lawsuits over bullying and misogyny cost the company tens of millions. The infamous “Angels” were replaced by a new, more diverse group, and the brand’s leadership promised to focus on what women want, not what men desire. But for Bridget and many others, rebranding isn’t enough. “There needs to be a public acknowledgement of what has happened,” she insists, calling for real change, not just performative activism.

Finding Her Voice

Bridget Malcolm has turned her pain into purpose. After years of therapy, she now hosts a podcast on mental health in the fashion industry and recently completed an internship at the United Nations. Her journey from the Victoria’s Secret runway to global advocacy is a testament to resilience—and a warning about the true cost of chasing perfection.

The Takeaway

The story of Victoria’s Secret is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power, toxic beauty standards, and the silencing of those who suffer. It’s a call for accountability, transparency, and a new era where well-being matters more than image. As more voices like Bridget’s rise, the hope is that the industry will finally listen—and change for good.

This article is based on first-hand accounts and investigative reporting by 60 Minutes Australia.