'I apologize to anyone that I offended': Gigi Hadid speaks out about controversial Melania Trump impersonation during AMA hosting gig

The model has come under fire for her impersonation of Melania Trump at the AMAs
Hadid said she removed or changed elements of the script that 'went too far'
Added that she believes Melania 'understands show business '

Published: 06:22 GMT, 22 November 2016 | Updated: 13:45 GMT, 22 November 2016

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Gigi Hadid has spoken out about her controversial Melania Trump impersonation at the AMAs that many deemed 'racist.'

While co-hosting the American Music Awards on Sunday, the model used a fake Eastern European accent to impersonate the soon-to-be First Lady.

The 21-year-old model addressed it on her Twitter Monday, where she apologized 'to anyone that I offended.'

Apology: Gigi Hadid shared a letter on Twitter where she addressed the controversial Melania Trump impersonation she did while hosting the American Music Awards

During the show, Gigi pouted her lips like Melania and said - using a fake accent - 'I love my husband, President Barack Obama. And our children Sasha and Malia.'

The Maybelline ambassador's dig refers to accusations that Melania plagiarized Michelle Obama's speech at the Republican National Convention.

Gigi, who hosted the show with SNL alum Jay Pharoah, penned a handwritten letter to apologize.

She started the letter off with: 'I was honored to host the AMAs last night and to work with some of the most respected writers in the business.'

Taking the controversy head on: The 21-year-old used a fake Eastern European accent to impersonate the soon-to-be First Lady; seen on Sunday at the AMAs in LA

The Maybellline ambassador's dig refers to accusations that Melania plagiarized Michelle Obama's speech at the Republican National Convention; Melania Trump in July at RNC

She continued: 'I removed or changed anything in the script that I felt took the joke too far, and whether or not you choose to see it, what remained was done in good humor with no bad intent.'

Adding: 'I too have been the center of a nationally televised comedy skit that poked fun at my actions, and was able to find the humor in it.'

Gigi then directly addressed the wife of Donald Trump, writing: 'I believe Melania understands show business and the way shows are written and run.'

Honesty: Gigi, who hosted the show with SNL alum Jay Pharoah, penned a handwritten letter to apologize

Candid: Gigi then directly addressed the wife of Donald Trump in her letter, writing: 'I believe Melania understands show business and the way shows are written and run;' on Sunday

The blonde fashion star concluded with: 'I apologize to anyone that I offended & have only the best wishes for our country. Respectfully x Gigi.'

The nationally televised comedy skit that she mentioned in her letter could be her referring to the Saturday Night Live short that aired in October; the skit makes fun of Taylor Swift and her squad - which includes Gigi.

Jay, her co-host, posted a note on Facebook Monday defending her.

He pointed out that First Lady Michelle Obama has been called names and insulted over the past eight years and that they 'exaggerated a speech that actually happened, where Melania clearly plagiarized.'

Adding that we 'didn't call her ugly, manish, or anything, and everybody loses it? Really?'

On her side: Jay, her co-host posted a note on Facebook Monday defending her

During the AMAs, some Twitter users criticized Gigi for her hosting style and her husky voice.

Some tweeted that the model had a 'beautiful smile, body, eyes, style, attitude,' but that she has a 'terrible voice' and 'uncomfortable to watch.'

The awards show was the cover girl's first hosting gig.

She did her best: During the AMAs, some Twitter users criticized Gigi for her hosting style and her husky voice

Wow: Before the show started, Gigi wowed in a flirty white Roberto Cavalli gown that looked incredible on her; seen on the red carpet prior to her hosting gig