That’s because Bella Hadid has been involved in the equestrian world, as she has been dating Adan Banuelos for a while, and several of her Instagram posts show her as a horse rider. Therefore, it wasn’t surprising when the actress appeared on Taylor Sheridan’s epic Paramount series Yellowstone. However, her surprise cameo elicited reactions from the fans.

Hadid’s Yellowstone cameo was divisive:

But many fans were put off by the revelation of Travis and Sadie’s relationship:

Another fan went a bit further and wrote:

“I’ve got to believe that Taylor Sheridan is just as arrogant and obnoxious in real life as is his character on #Yellowstone. I’m not sure he’s acting.”

Two days after the thirteenth episode of Season 5 aired, Elle’s Culture Writer Lauren Puckett-Pope wrote this in a piece titled “Yellowstone, Leave Bella Hadid Out of This”, which was published on December 10, 2025. Criticizing the male power fantasy nature of the series, Pope wrote this regarding the choice to cast the 28-year-old Bella Hadid as Sheridan’s character’s girlfriend:

“Now, to be clear, I don’t intend to insult Hadid. She’s a fine actress and a bona fide cowgirl, especially now that she’s moved to Texas to live alongside her cowboy boyfriend Adan Banuelos. Both Hadid and Banuelos have minor speaking roles in the latest episode of Yellowstone, but only Hadid has the particular pleasure of playing Sadie, girlfriend of Travis Wheatley, portrayed by Sheridan himself. To spell that out clearly: Sheridan, creator of Yellowstone, cast one of the most famous supermodels of the modern era to guest-star as his girlfriend while her real-life boyfriend sat in the same room and watched. I’m sure both Hadid and Banuelos signed on happily and willingly! I’m sure they were paid well! Nevertheless, I’d prefer Hadid be kept far, far away from whatever well of self-indulgence Sheridan seems eager to tumble down.”

Needless to say, her criticisms were directed towards Sheridan, while fans appreciated and supported Hadid’s performance.

What’s next for the Paramount series?

The fifth season is not the last we have seen of this universe. There are several spin-off series that are in the same universe. The most recent one announced was Dutton Ranch, which is set after the events of the fifth season’s finale. The series, headlined by Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser’s Beth and Rip, will see them enjoying their peace on the ranch. The officially released synopsis hints at Carter’s importance:

“With tough times and stiff competition, Beth and Rip do what they must to survive, all while ensuring Carter becomes the man he’s supposed to be.”