Supermodel Kaia Gerber, daughter of iconic fashion figure Cindy Crawford, recently disclosed a startling childhood experience, revealing her mother once subjected her to an "exorcism" ritual using a didgeridoo, a revelation she shared while discussing her role in a horror series and her personal journey toward healing from past struggles, including disordered eating. The surprising account offers a rare glimpse into the private life and unique upbringing of one of Hollywood’s most prominent celebrity offspring.
The unusual spiritual intervention reportedly took place when Gerber was a young child, a period she described as feeling "haunted" for much of her life. While the specifics of the event remain largely private, Gerber detailed the use of an ancient Indigenous Australian wind instrument, the didgeridoo, as part of the ritual performed on her. This unconventional approach to addressing perceived spiritual distress highlights a lesser-known facet of the Crawford-Gerber family’s dynamics and beliefs, contrasting sharply with their typically polished public image.
Gerber, now a successful model and actress, made these candid confessions during recent interviews, including a feature for Vogue‘s September 2026 issue, which delved into her personal challenges and professional trajectory. Her openness about the "exorcism" emerged in tandem with discussions about her recent acting role in Ryan Murphy’s 2021 anthology series, American Horror Story: Double Feature. In the FX horror production, Gerber portrayed Kendall Carr, a character immersed in unsettling supernatural themes. It was during the filming of this series that her mother, Cindy Crawford, then 60, reportedly provided her with holy water to bring to set, seemingly as a protective measure, suggesting an ongoing maternal concern for her daughter’s spiritual well-being, particularly in proximity to dark fictional narratives.
The disclosure of a childhood exorcism, even one performed with a didgeridoo, raises questions about the psychological impact such an event might have had on a young Kaia Gerber. Growing up under the immense shadow of a supermodel mother, Gerber has consistently faced intense public scrutiny, not only for her burgeoning career but also for her personal life and physical appearance. Her mother’s provision of holy water for a horror set implies a belief system within the family that extends beyond conventional celebrity lifestyles, touching upon spiritual protection and possibly a lingering concern over past events.
This personal history adds layers of complexity to Gerber’s public persona, particularly given her concurrent revelations about struggling with "disordered eating." She has openly discussed the relentless comparisons to her mother’s physique, stating, "As someone who’s been thin most of my life, I’ve always been compared against my mom — like, ‘What’s wrong with Kaia?’" These comments underscore the immense pressure on celebrity children, especially those following in their parents’ footsteps within an appearance-driven industry like fashion. The model confessed to having been "so jealous" of Crawford’s figure, indicating a deeply personal struggle with body image that was exacerbated by external commentary.
The fashion industry has a long-documented history of promoting stringent and often unrealistic body standards, which can severely impact the mental and physical health of models, particularly young women. Gerber’s experience with "disordered eating" and the public’s constant commentary on her body – "People have always commented on my body, which is hard because I’m not always ready to comment on my own body, you know?" – illuminates the damaging cycle of scrutiny and self-perception that many in her profession endure. Her poignant reflection, "People are like, ‘You look terrible,’ and it doesn’t exactly make you go, ‘Oh, good. Let me get over this mental illness then!’ Negativity has never saved someone’s life," serves as a powerful commentary on the critical need for empathy and understanding in public discourse surrounding mental health.
The blend of supernatural experiences and body image struggles paints a vivid picture of the unique challenges faced by individuals navigating fame from a young age. The cultural significance of the didgeridoo, traditionally used in healing ceremonies and spiritual gatherings by Indigenous Australians, suggests an attempt by the Crawford-Gerber family to address perceived issues through alternative spiritual means. While not a conventional Catholic rite of exorcism, the intent behind the ritual, as described by Gerber, was clearly aimed at expelling negative influences or "beings from another dimension." This suggests a proactive, if unconventional, parental response to what they may have perceived as a spiritual affliction affecting their child.
Kaia Gerber’s decision to share these deeply personal anecdotes, from a childhood exorcism to her battles with body image, contributes significantly to the ongoing public conversation about mental health and the often-hidden struggles of those in the public eye. Her journey from feeling "possessed" and "haunted" to declaring, "I’m all healed," signifies a profound personal evolution. By speaking out, she not only demystifies her own experiences but also potentially empowers others facing similar pressures and challenges, particularly within the entertainment and fashion industries.
The revelations underscore the intricate dynamics within celebrity families, where parental concerns, spiritual beliefs, and the glare of the media converge. Cindy Crawford’s protective gestures, like providing holy water, suggest a mother’s earnest efforts to shield her daughter, albeit through means that might seem extraordinary to outsiders. This narrative arc, encompassing a spiritual cleansing ritual and later struggles with self-perception, offers a compelling insight into the psychological landscape of a young woman growing up under extraordinary circumstances.
As Kaia Gerber continues to forge her own path in Hollywood, starring in projects like Saturday Night, her candidness about past traumas, including the frightening exorcism experience, marks a significant moment. It reflects a growing trend among younger celebrities to speak openly about mental health, body image, and the pressures of fame, thereby fostering a more authentic and empathetic dialogue with their audiences. Her story is not just one of personal struggle and triumph, but also a broader commentary on the human search for healing and acceptance in a world that often demands perfection. Gerber, the daughter of Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, and sister to Presley Gerber, 27, continues to navigate her career with a newfound sense of self-awareness and resilience, offering a compelling example of vulnerability as strength in the public sphere.
