Mindy Kaling Clears Up Victoria’s Secret Modeling Rumors

Mindy Kaling has cleared up a case of mistaken identity after fans thought they spotted her modeling lingerie in a new Victoria’s Secret campaign.

The confusion began after the brand shared an image promoting its Very Sexy Collection. The woman featured in the campaign looked remarkably similar to Kaling, prompting more than a dozen social media users to ask whether the actress and comedian had secretly taken on a new modeling role.

Kaling eventually addressed the speculation on her Instagram Stories on Monday.

“This is not me!” she wrote. “I wish! I could not fill out lingerie like this!!”

She added, “But I admire the woman!”

The model in the campaign is actually Paloma Elsesser, an established figure in the fashion industry. Elsesser has appeared on the covers of both American and British Vogue and was named Model of the Year by the British Fashion Council in 2023. She also walked in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2024.

Elsesser has worked with major brands including Nike, Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and Mercedes-Benz. She also had a small role in the 2019 film “Uncut Gems.”

While Kaling was not the model in the Victoria’s Secret campaign, she has had her own involvement in fashion and swimwear. In 2023 and 2024, she partnered with swimwear company Andie on two collections and modeled pieces from both lines.

“I’ve been a fan of Andie Swim for years,” Kaling told PEOPLE in 2023. She said the brand had been especially appealing as her body changed over the years.

Kaling also praised the company for creating swimsuits that made her feel comfortable while still allowing her to feel stylish and confident.

“These pieces make me feel young and carefree,” she said, adding that the designs offered support without being overly revealing.

The actress has also spoken openly about the public attention surrounding her appearance. In the same interview, she said she tries not to focus too much on comments about changes in her body.

“I know people are really interested in the changes in my body, and I think it’s flattering but sometimes it’s just a little much,” Kaling said.

She explained that staying healthy is an important part of her routine, saying she runs or hikes about 20 miles a week and lifts weights.

For now, though, Kaling has made one thing clear: the woman turning heads in the latest Victoria’s Secret campaign is Paloma Elsesser, not her.