EXCLUSIVE: Heidi Klum’s daughter Leni displays her bikini body as she soaks up the sun on father Flavio Briatore’s yacht in the South of France
Heidi Klum’s daughter Leni enjoys a luxurious, sun-soaked getaway to the South of France.
The 19-year-old model was spotted in the sun on Wednesday in a tiny bikini aboard her father Flavio Briatore’s yacht.
Leni was having the time of her life with friends, hanging out on the ship and splashing in the water.
She looked stunning in a blue and orange triangle bikini tied at the hip and back.
Leni, 19, is the daughter of model Heidi Klum, 50, and Italian businessman Flavio, 73, although her former stepfather Seal adopted her many years ago.
Make a splash! Heidi Klum’s daughter Leni enjoys a luxurious, sun-soaked getaway to the South of France
Fun in the sun! The model, 19, was spotted basking in the sun in a tiny bikini aboard her father Flavio Briatore’s yacht on Wednesday
Heidi, who has been in Italy lately, is now married to Tokio Hotel guitarist Tom Kaultiz.
Leni followed in her mother’s footsteps as a model, showing off her statuesque body as she frolicked with her friends on the luxury yacht.
Her dad also enjoyed some fun in the sun as he hung out on the deck in his blue swimsuit with sunglasses over his eyes.
Leni has had a strong career so far.
Her modeling career started two years ago when she appeared on the cover of Vogue Germany.
And Heidi was overjoyed.
‘I am so proud of you. And not because you chose this path. I know that no matter which way you go, it will be yours,” she wrote in German on social media.
‘You always know exactly what you want and what you don’t want. You’re not a mini me. And I’m happy for you that you can now show who YOU are.’
She went on to work with Versace and Dior.
H2-Ho! Leni jumped off the boat and into the crystal blue water
Bikini honey! Klum showed off her model-like physique in a classy blue and orange thong bikini
Famous family: Leni is the daughter of model Heidi Klum and Flavio, although her former stepfather Seal adopted her many years ago
The water is fine! She jumped into the water with a friend
She became embroiled in controversy when she took part in a lingerie shoot with her mother Heidi for Intrimissi.
Flavio previously admitted he was no longer in a relationship with Leni after allowing Seal to adopt her, though the pair are clearly back in touch and on good terms.
“Leni is my natural daughter, but all three of us agreed that it made more sense for Seal to adopt her, because a child has to grow up in a family,” Flavio – who has son Nathan with ex-wife Elisabetta Gregoraci – told Italy Il Corriere della Sera in 2016.
“Heidi, Seal and I have built a great relationship,” he added.
“It’s hard to miss a baby you never see. But I know that Leni is not an abandoned child. Leni is part of Seal’s family and Nathan is part of mine.”
Leni – born Helene Klum – talked to her father on the phone for two hours a day, but he insisted it “wasn’t enough” and Heidi and Seal raised her.
The businessman explained: “Leni was born when Heidi and I had already spilled. Heidi lived in Los Angeles and I lived in London, the distance between us was unbridgeable.
‘We used to spend two hours a day on the phone, but that wasn’t enough. She had to stay with her mother. Then Heidi started dating Seal and raised her.”
Last year, Leni responded to online accusations that she is a “fake baby,” the term used to describe celebrity offspring.
Luxury: Klum and her friends enjoyed some fun in the sun aboard her father’s luxury yacht
Vacation time: The Italian businessman was spotted in his blue swimming trunks
Kick back! Klum and her father were both preoccupied with their phones
Soaking up the sun: Klum looked relaxed and cheerful
Family ties: Flavio previously admitted he was no longer in a relationship with Leni after allowing Seal to adopt her, though the pair are clearly back in touch and on good terms
Do Not Disturb Mode: She took a break from the waves to scroll through her phone
‘It’s just a fact. My parents are famous,’ Leni said People.
However, she insisted that she “does the job and takes her time” to build a career for herself.
“I got help starting, and I know people would dream of starting with what I had,” said Leni, who walked for Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week in 2021 as her mother filmed her proudly from the audience.
“I am so thankful that I was able to take what my mom gave me. But I do the work and put in the time,” she insisted.
“Now I work alone, travel alone, go to school. My mother and I just have the same love for the same thing.’
Soaking up the sun: Leni sat back with her friends on the deck
Chit chat: Leni chatted with Flavio and friends
Making waves: The model looked fabulous in her colorful bikini
Sun-drenched! Klum enjoyed a swim in the ocean blue
The social media personality, who has 2 million followers on Instagram, left home last year to move to New York City to begin her freshman year of college.
Heidi discussed her feelings of being far away from her daughter during an interview on The Late Late Show With James Cordon.
“It’s so sad,” admitted the America’s Got Talent judge. “She just moved in this weekend and I’m calling her. Usually she answers, but then I don’t hear anything for three or four hours.’
‘And already my head is going ‘Where is she? What is she doing? Why isn’t she answering?’ The worrying is already starting,’ Heidi revealed.
The supermodel stated that she called Leni every two hours at one point. “Now I want the roommate’s number so I can eavesdrop on the roommate if she doesn’t answer,” Heidi said humorously.