Who Is Denise Bidot?
Denise Marie Bidot is an American plus-size fashion model, widely recognized for breaking barriers in the fashion industry and advocating for body positivity. Born on June 13, 1986 (age 38), in Miami, Florida, she has worked with major brands like Nordstrom, Forever21, Target, Old Navy, and Lane Bryant. Bidot made history as the first plus-size model to walk the runway for two straight-size brands during New York Fashion Week in 2014.
Overcoming Beauty Standards: Her Early Life
Bidot was born to a Puerto Rican mother and a Kuwaiti father. Her mother, Daphne Bidot, was a beauty pageant contestant who struggled to make it in the modeling industry due to societal beauty standards. Witnessing her mother's challenges with body image deeply impacted Denise.
“As a child, I watched her go on diet after diet, struggling with standards that, as a Latina woman, were totally unrealistic,” Bidot shared in an essay for Refinery29.
Determined not to follow the same path, Bidot embraced her natural body and set out to make a difference in the industry.
From Acting to Modeling: Her Career Journey
Initially, Bidot pursued acting, but casting directors repeatedly told her to lose weight. Frustrated by these pressures, she shifted to working as a makeup artist. However, fate had different plans—one day, a photographer encouraged her to step in front of the camera instead.
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Breakthrough Moment: Discovered while working as a makeup artist
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Major Clients: Nordstrom, Forever21, Target, Old Navy, Lane Bryant, Macy’s
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TV Appearances: Featured in Curvy Girls (nuvoTV), Habla Women (HBO), Mama vs. Mama (Yahoo! En Español), The Tyra Banks Show, and The Real
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Body Positivity Movement: Launched “There Is No Wrong Way to Be a Woman” in 2016
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Viral Moment: In 2016, an unretouched photo of her in a two-piece swimsuit showcasing her stretch marks went viral, igniting conversations about body diversity
In 2018, Bidot also became a main judge on Univision’s reality TV beauty pageant, Nuestra Belleza Latina.
Personal Life: Motherhood & Relationship Status
Bidot is a proud mother to Jocelyn Adams, born in 2008 from her previous relationship with Joshua Adams. As a role model, she teaches her daughter the importance of self-love and confidence.
“Nowhere have I felt so much awesome responsibility than when teaching my daughter that there is no wrong way to be herself,” Bidot said.
Relationship Status
Bidot was previously in a high-profile relationship with rapper and producer Lil Wayne. The couple began dating in June 2020, but their romance had several ups and downs. They broke up in November 2020, reconciled, but eventually ended their relationship in early 2022.
“While my career has given me confidence, it’s the people in my life—my daughter, my family—who remind me of my worth beyond the industry,” she shared.
Denise Bidot: Quick Facts
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Full Name: Denise Marie Bidot
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Birth Date: June 13, 1986 (Age: 38)
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Birthplace: Miami, Florida, United States
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Nationality: American
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Ethnicity: Puerto Rican (mother), Kuwaiti (father)
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Occupation: Plus-size fashion model, body positivity advocate
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Industry: Fashion, Beauty
Final Thoughts
Denise Bidot continues to be a leading voice in the fashion industry, inspiring countless women to embrace their natural beauty. Whether on the runway, in ad campaigns, or as an advocate for body positivity, her impact is undeniable.