Model Diaries with Jordan Ozuna
@jiordyn
Meet Jordan Ozuna: Model, Mother, Advocate, and the one who captured footballer Karim Benzema’s heart.
Jordan Ozuna, has taken the world by storm. A well estabished American model, Jordan first stepped out publicly with her partner Karim Benzema at Ballon d’Or ceremony, where the footballer was awarded the most prestigious award honor. While dating Karim, and since having welcomed a child with the football star, the media scrutiny she’s faced over the years intensified dramatically. In her exclusive interview with Modeliste, Jordan opens up about the challenges she has faced with with media, her mental health, and the new direction her career has taken her.
Congratulations on the pregnancy news you shared with El Mundo. Can you explain why you haven’t posted about it on social media?
I intended to reveal this news in my own time and on my terms. The media announcing my pregnancy before I was ready invaded what I considered a deeply personal and private matter. The breach of my privacy significantly affected my mental well-being. I felt violated, which dampened my joy and eagerness to share this wonderful news with anyone beyond my inner circle of friends and family. Privacy is a value I cherish, not just for myself, but also for my loved ones. Although media attention is a part of my life, I firmly believe in setting boundaries and safeguarding the sacredness of certain aspects of my personal life.
How do you believe the experience of becoming a new mother has impacted you?
To be honest, I don’t perceive it as a change. This phase of my life feels incredibly natural and comfortable as if it’s exactly where I was meant to be.
You hid your pregnancy. Can you tell us about the emotions and challenges you faced while keeping this secret?
It wasn’t something that I hid per se but that I kept private. I hope that others can understand the importance of respecting personal boundaries and privacy. However, it turned out to be a positive decision. I prioritized my well-being and that of my baby. I took the opportunity to center myself, find relaxation, and embrace this wonderful gift and phase of my life. The amount of love I felt on the day of my baby shower was overwhelming to see how much love and support we have around us. I truly thank everyone who did respect our privacy during that time.
I’ve observed that you’ve encountered some negative media attention lately. Coping with public scrutiny can be quite demanding. If you’re open to discussing it, I’m interested in learning how you’ve handled such situations and which strategies or methods you’ve found helpful in managing media backlash.
It was truly difficult to read false information and assumptions about me, especially during my pregnancy. Dealing with these situations was challenging, given the hormonal changes and the hurtful assumptions made about my character.
Unfortunately, you faced bullying in the media due to your past relationships and associations. How have you dealt with these unfair criticisms and false narratives?
It’s disheartening to face false narratives as a woman in this regard. I’ve learned that I cannot control what others say or think about me. Especially people who don’t know me personally and are just making assumptions from online gossip. We all know social media and the internet isn’t real life. It’s really hard to see how the media can twist things and create their own narratives regarding people’s lives just to create headlines and for click bait. I’m hopeful that people will take the initiative to verify information and not readily accept every piece of information they come across online.
Why haven’t you spoken on this before?
Prior to my current relationship, I never saw the necessity to address baseless allegations. Those closest to me knew these claims were false. However, now that I’m involved with a public figure, it’s crucial to clarify things. There’s been a lot of inaccurate information surrounding my past relationships, notably with Tyga and Younes. I denied these links in the past, yet I’m still associated with them as if they were my exes. I’ve taken legal action against these false reports, many of which have been removed. Unfortunately, in today’s world, a simple lunch can be misconstrued as dating, or liking a photo can lead to unfounded assumptions. It’s absurd. Nonetheless, I believe it’s time to once again set the record straight
Cyberbullying is a serious issue, and unfortunately, you’ve been a victim of it. How have you managed to protect your mental health and stay strong in the face of online harassment?
Cyberbullying is indeed a distressing reality. While I wouldn’t categorize myself as a victim of cyberbullying, as most of these rumors stem from years ago and I’ve evolved significantly since then, the lingering impact of these experiences remains. It’s disheartening that even after over a decade of professional modeling, I’m still associated primarily with a job I had at 18, seemingly to undermine my self-worth for the sake of a narrative.
The issue of cyberbullying and media harassment isn’t confined to public figures; it affects people from all walks of life. The scrutiny and invasive coverage online can deeply affect one’s mental and emotional state. Society must recognize that every individual deserves respect, privacy, and the freedom to navigate life without undue interference.
While I understand the public’s curiosity about my life and the media’s role in our society, there’s often a blurry line between gossip and responsible journalism when it comes to personal matters. The media significantly shapes perceptions and narratives, making it essential for all of us to cultivate a more compassionate and understanding media environment.
What advice would you give to aspiring models and anyone who may face similar challenges in their journey regarding social media and public scrutiny?
It is such a double-edged sword; if you’re private, some might think you’re hiding things while sharing can lead to scrutiny. Ultimately, focus on living for yourself, without worrying about others’ opinions. Sometimes it takes away any desire to want to share anything at all so you have to just enjoy your life and not care what people think, do what is best for you what feels right in your heart.
Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
I’ve got some super fun projects in the works, but they’re currently in stealth mode. Be on the lookout and circle back in a few months!!
What’s coming next in your career?
Returning to modeling fills me with excitement, but my heart is also pulling me towards a new path — one that focuses on advocating for mental well-being and postpartum mental health. I want to contribute to the creation of an empathetic world that places mental health at the forefront of our priorities. I hope to use my platform to raise awareness and offer support services.
Let’s end this Q&A session on a high note. Balancing your role as a model and a new mom keeps you on your toes. So, how about we dive into a quick round of rapid-fire fun questions. Are you ready?
Heels or flats or sneakers?
Heels, I’m 5’4 I have no choice.
What are the three things you can’t live without?
My family, Sriracha, and a good lip liner.
What’s your current favorite piece of clothing that you own?
My bathrobe and pajamas, it is what I live in
Newest favorite Beauty Product?
U Beauty Lip Plasma
What music do you listen to a lot right now?
I’m enjoying the tunes of the Fisher Price piano thanks to my baby.
What book did you most recently finish?
It Starts With Us – Colleen Hoover.
How do you start your day?
Coffee immediately!
Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You only have one chance to do this thing called life.
If you could swap lives with any cartoon which would it be?
Dory, she just lives life always so carefree and happy.
What’s something you don’t leave the house without?
My baby and the keys to get back in.
What’s your feel good movie?
Parent Trap
One thing you’d like to master?
French
If you could be adopted by any family, who would it be?
The Obama’s for sure!
Text or Call?
Call
If you could sit down and have dinner with anyone famous dead or alive who would it be?
Jackie Kennedy
What’s a must-have piece of clothing everyone should own?
A quality white Tee.
Exclusively shared images from her baby shower by Melissa Andre
