Xenia Deli was born in Basarabeasca, Moldova. She is ethnically Gagauz.[5] She began studying literature and planned on becoming a teacher, but graduated from the first course of the Moldova State University. She also attended modeling school.[6] She went on an exchange program to the United States from Moldova and worked as a waitress. During her time as a waitress she met her first husband, American photographer Patrick Cox, and through their marriage she gained American citizenship[3][7] It is unclear when the marriage ended. Later, she attended a program for modeling students, Deli competed in a 'Beach Bunny' contest and was one of three finalists. The brand invited her to represent them in their advertising campaign.
Soon after that, Deli met photographer Gavin O'Neill, who invited her to shoot. His submission of her photos to a modeling agency resulted in an interview and a contract.[8] In 2010 she moved to South Carolina. Now she divides her time between New York City and Los Angeles.
On 4 June 2016 Deli married to 62-year-old Egyptian (of Palestinian origin) millionaire Ossama Fathi Rabah Al-Sharif, on the island Santorini, in Greece.[9][10] Her husband has three children of approximately the same age as Deli.[5]
Deli started her career with photographs taken by Gavin O'Neill, a fashion photographer, who showed his work to an agency. She got a contract as a model.[4] Deli signed to Elite Model Management[2]inMiami in 2011 and New York City in 2014. Deli picked up a modeling contract with Victoria's Secret after its representatives saw a poster with her picture from another campaign at a store across from their offices. They invited her for an interview and the parties reached a contract.[8]
This was Bieber's first No. 1 hit, according to New York Magazine.[14] After the release of the video, Deli said, Bieber's fans were not happy to see her with their idol.[6] There was widespread speculation about whether she was dating the singing star.
Deli played a minor role in The Mindy Project. She has said that she likes to watch movies and she loves acting. She is taking acting classes, and her future plans include to play in movies.[4]
