Heidi Klum defends being topless around her children and explains the impact it's had on them

Heidi Klum has defended being topless around her children and has explained the ultimate impact it had on them.

The fashion star posted pictures of herself and her daughter Leni Klum on her Instagram, and received backlash after a video appeared to show the 52-year-old playing with her daughter's knickers.

Ever since Leni turned 18, she has collaborated with her model-turned-TV personality mother for campaigns on the likes of underwear and nightwear.

This was in 2023, and Klum received a lot of backlash as a result - something which she tackled head on.

Speaking to People, the fashion star said: "A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I don’t know about mom and daughter doing this together'.

"But for us? I’m proud of my daughter. She’s fine with me like that.

“I’ve always been very open with my body.

"When I’m suntanning in the backyard, I might not have a top on. I’m European. My kids don’t know me any other way and are probably more easygoing with their bodies because of it."

Klum has done shoots with her children (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

While Klum may be more open to her children than the typical mother, she acts like any other parent when it comes to worrying about how her kids are getting on.

She has Leni, 21, from a previous relationship with businessman Flavio Briatore, as well as Henry, 19, Johan, 18, and Lou, 15, from her marriage to Seal.

"When they’re young, you’re worried they’re going to jump in the pool or stick their finger in a socket," she said.

"Then they’re driving. Then it’s sex, drugs and rock and roll. You hope the seed you planted in them grows. That they’re good people. That they’re healthy. But you always worry. And I know I’ll still be worrying when I’m 80."

Heidi Klum has defended being topless around her kids (RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Klum has also spoke to the Mail Online following all the controversy that came her way two years ago by including her daughter in the promotion.

She told the outlet: "It's been fun to shoot together. To do photoshoots together with her and just to see how she's just very comfortable and also comfortable around me even when we're doing underwear shoots or something like that.

"It makes me proud that my daughter is super comfortable in her skin also in front of me and around me because not every kid is in the world.

"So, I love that we have this beautiful relationship."