Barbara Palvin responds to criticism over Victoria’s Secret runway return 6 weeks postpartum

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Barbara Palvin is speaking out after her return to the Victoria’s Secret runway sparked mixed reactions online. The model walked in the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show just 6 weeks after welcoming her first child with her husband, Dylan Sprouse.

While some celebrated her comeback, others questioned whether she should have returned to work so soon after giving birth. Palvin has now shared how she feels about the different reactions, explaining that every mother's postpartum experience is different.

Barbara Palvin addresses criticism over her Victoria’s Secret runway return

Palvin addressed the criticism while attending the Sprouse House Halloween Party in Los Angeles on October 31. Speaking to E! News alongside Sprouse, the 33-year-old said people had mixed opinions about her decision to walk in the show.

“Honestly, there were 50-50 with the reactions,” Palvin said. “Some people loved that I was back, and some people were like, maybe I should be resting at home.” She also pointed out that every mother has a different experience after childbirth. “Everyone's postpartum journey is different, and this is just mine,” she added.

The model admitted that the attention and different opinions had left her feeling overwhelmed. However, she was grateful to have her family and husband supporting her during this time. “I'm lucky that I have the support from my husband and my family, and they were able to get me there,” she said.

Dylan Sprouse supports Barbara Palvin after her runway return

Sprouse also spoke about his wife's runway appearance and said he was proud of her. The actor, 34, praised her hard work and dedication, while adding that cheering for a partner should not be treated as something unusual.

“I'm as proud as I could possibly be,” he said, describing the show as a difficult thing to do. He also had a simple message for partners watching their loved ones achieve something. The 34-year-old emphasized that “it shouldn't be extraordinary to cheer for someone that you love walking and doing something that you're proud of them for.”

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

“That he caught his flight and he didn't miss the show,” Palvin replied. The couple welcomed their daughter, Sylvie, in September.

Barbara Palvin returned to the Victoria’s Secret runway in October

The model returned to the Victoria’s Secret runway on October 18, appearing in two looks at the Los Angeles show. Her appearance came just 6 weeks after she and Sprouse welcomed their daughter, making her postpartum comeback a talking point among viewers.

The new mother also had advice for other women going through the postpartum period. “Don't be scared to ask for help,” she said.