WATCH: Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour shade each other at award ceremony after model's late arrival

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Naomi Campbell's recent acceptance speech at the Harlem's Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards has fueled speculation of a behind-the-scenes clash with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

The British supermodel, honored with the Fashion Icon Award, seemed to subtly address Wintour’s previous remark about her punctuality, as reported by PEOPLE.

Naomi Campbell appears to clap back at Anna Wintour

At the event on September 3, 2024, during the introduction by Wintour, 74, the Vogue editor-in-chief remarked that she was "presenting tonight to someone who is often late," as captured in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter).

Wintour then passed the presentation duties to Samira Nasr, editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar, who awarded Campbell the honor. Wintour left the ceremony early to attend the US Open.

During her acceptance speech, Campbell appeared to respond to Wintour’s comment, stating, "I want to say this. Everything is meant to work out the way it's going to work out. It wasn't my choice to have the other lady. I would much rather have this," while gesturing towards Nasr.

Despite the backlash, Wintour highlighted several of Campbell's commendable qualities in her speech. According to USA Today, she described the model as "bold, bright and entirely, unquestionably herself."

"Naomi is honestly one of the most fearless people I know, a quality that was evident at the very, very start of her career when she began to speak the truth about inequality and injustice. And this was at a time when it was not so common to do so."

She went on to say, according to USA Today, "Naomi's bravery has benefited the entire fashion industry. Though, I can tell you that being on the receiving end of that fearlessness can be – oh what can I say? Quite exciting? But it's her honesty that makes her so incredible to be around, a muse and inspiration for designers."

In response, Campbell expressed her gratitude to Wintour, acknowledging her for making the effort "to come here and give me the award even though I wasn't here."

"So thank you, Anna Wintour, for your support in my career from 1987, meeting a young Black girl from South London in British Vogue offices and taking a chance in giving me a shoot," she said.

"And so I thank you for your influence and your continuing support in pushing fashion forward also."

Naomi Campbell's speech at Fashion Awards stirs online debate over tension with Anna Wintour

Naomi Campbell's recent acceptance speech at the Harlem's Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards has ignited a flurry of online discussion, with many interpreting her comments as a subtle jab at Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

The incident has prompted varied reactions online.

One user wrote, "Anna Wintour was supposed to give the award, but Naomi Campbell was late so Anna left and another woman presented the award. That's it. That's the whole thing."

Another commenter expressed, stating, "The arrogance of them both is tiresome. It seems petty to be late and throw shade at these ladies' age."

One user quipped, "I'm surprised she didn't throw a phone at her," while another remarked, "She can't be on time. If she arrives on time she loses her diva status."

One user wrote, "Naomi is a legend," and another expressed hope for future reconciliation, "Good luck, hope that other lady invites her to the Met Gala lol."

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