What Did the President Say to the Supermodel?

Jan. 7, 2008— -- It may seem like an unlikely meeting of minds, but supermodel Naomi Campbell, best known for her antics on and off the catwalks, interviewed Venezuela's controversial left-wing president, Hugo Chavez, for British men's lifestyle magazine GQ, in her new role as contributing editor.

The president -- whom Campbell dubbed a "rebel angel" -- and the supermodel spoke on a number of subjects, including President Bush's leadership style, Fidel Castro's sartorial style … and even Chavez's muscle tone.

Excerpts from the interview were released today, and the full interview will appear in the magazine's February issue.

Never one to shy away from an opportunity to bash the U.S. president and his administration, Chavez described Bush as "completely crazy" and called Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice the "secretary of state of genocidal government."

When quizzed by the supermodel on who he thought was the world's most stylish leader, he responded "Fidel [Castro] of course! His uniform is impeccable, his boots are polished and his beard is elegant."

Chavez also indulged in more humorous moments. When Campbell asked him if he would ever have a photograph taken of himself topless, like Russian President Vladmir Putin did, the Venezuelan leader replied, "Why not? Touch my muscles!"

He was also keen to point out his singing abilities, to which Campbell replied that if he were not the president, Chavez could "be a very successful Latin singer."

Chavez was also keen to point to Venezuela as a place where human rights are protected and preserved -- a claim disputed by critics of his left-wing government, stating that Venezuela has started "a peaceful revolution."

"We have no political prisoners, we have not shot anyone," he said. "Everyone is presumed innocent, and their human rights are respected."

Campbell was granted an interview during a visit to the country in October, where she was also on a campaign to persuade President Chavez to make a donation to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, an organization focused on encouraging just societies that what the supermodel said is close to her heart.