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'Just a salad': Bradley Cooper's ex Irina Shayk responds to backlash for post using Russian war symbol 'Z'

The outrage came just a day after Russia reportedly fired a Kalibr missile in the busy city center of Vinnytsia, claiming 23 lives

Update: Irina Shayk had typed out 'Russianzz on Wednesday, July 13 in an Instagram story caption.' The letter Z has appeared as a symbol of support for the Russian military. Later on Friday, July 15, however, owing to the huge social media storm and rumors this food post of hers generated, the supermodel assured there was no hidden meaning in the photo.

The model wrote another message for social media users and her critics saying: "Sometimes a salad is just a salad. I promise: no coded messages or political commentary here. Wishing everyone love."

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Irina Shayk sparked quite the uproar on social media after she was accused of supporting Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine by using his 'Z' symbol on Instagram.

The 36-year-old supermodel shared a picture of a traditional Olivier salad with the caption 'Russianzz of Wednesday', causing many Ukraine empathizers to think that she was referring to Russia's war symbol 'Z'. The outrage came just a day after Russia reportedly fired a Kalibr missile in the busy city center of Vinnytsia, claiming 23 lives including three children. Shayk was also called out for previously posing with a book that had Putin on the cover. While the salad story was replaced without a caption within 24 hours, the Russian-born model has not responded to the backlash at the time of publication.

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The social media storm began as Ukrainian journalist Maria Romanenko lashed out at Shayk and called for sponsors to reconsider working with her over the "cryptic" Instagram Story. "Irina Shayk—world-famous model from Russia who's recently worked for @Beyonce, Jean Paul Gaultier, @Burberry, &others—posted a weird cryptic story on Instagram with the word 'Russianzz'. I really hope these brands reconsider working with her when Russia uses Z to kill Ukrainians," Romanenko tweeted.

This sparked a wave of hate-filled commentary against the supermodel.

"Russian supermodel Irina Shayk is not ashamed of supporting fascists. We hope every brand that works with her will reconsider their partnership," one tweeted.

"Iryna Shayk supports the war in Ukraine using the Russian military symbol in the form of the letter "z". She should be canceled. Brands stop working with her," another wrote.

"Irina Shayk, a top model from Russia, thinks its okay to post content of her Russian-style life and use “z” the main sign of Russian terrorist[s]. It's not enough to cancel #irinashayk?" someone else asked, adding the hashtags #cancelirinashayk #russiaisaterrorisstate.

It's worth noting that the Z symbol is regarded by many to be the equivalent of the Nazi swastika and is widely used by Putin's forces and pro-Russian propaganda.

"Russian missiles are killing children in Ukraine, but Irina Shayk does not hesitate to make posts with ZZ symbols. Maybe famous brands will think about whether they want to continue to cooperate with the model @JPGaultier @Burberry @Beyonce @OscardelaRenta," a comment read.

"Hey, @Burberry @armani @JPGaultier @Mugler @PINKO what about having a ruzzian supporter Irina Shayk as an ambassador, huh? Oh, maybe it’s a 'funny joke' that Ukrainians should understand #irinashayk #notallrussians," another fumed.

Some also referred to the Vinnytsia tragedy that killed 23 people on Thursday, July 14.

"Just Irina Shayk (famous Russian supermodel) casually posting on Instagram using Russian war symbols - “Z” while we have had a terrorist attack today in #Vinnytsia with numerous civilian casualties including children," a tweet read.

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That said, some rushed to the supermodel's defense. Ukrainian journalist Romanenko was accused of blowing Shayk's Instagram post out of proportion

"This is a huge stretch and you're really encouraging someone to get bullied. Folks have been using the letter z after words in informal language for yearz. Why don't you ask her yourself instead of imposing your own cognitive distortions?" one retorted on Twitter.

"Was it really necessary to tag Beyonce and Burberry? This could be a misunderstanding as Irina Shayk has been vocal about supporting peace in Ukraine. Hopefully, she clarifies," another offered.

"What the f*** yall on..... Just because Irina Shayk wrote 'russianz' with z doesn't mean she supports Russia and war these comments under her IG posts are f***ing stupid and unbelievable," someone else insisted.