Gigi Hadid Breaks Silence on Epstein Files Mention
Supermodel Gigi Hadid has broken her silence after her name appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein files, admitting that reading the references made her feel 'sick to my stomach'. The 30-year-old fashion icon, along with her younger sister Bella Hadid, was mentioned in a December 2015 email exchange between Epstein and another individual whose identity was redacted in documents released by the US Department of Justice.
Instagram Response to Fan Comment
Hadid opened up about her feelings regarding the files in response to a fan comment on an Instagram post shared on March 29. The fan had written, 'I had to unfollow u bc u ain't talk bout those files Gigi.' In a message that appears to have since been deleted, according to E! News, Hadid called Epstein a 'disgusting human being' and expressed her distress.
'Horrible to read someone you've never met speak about you that way. Especially in this context,' the star wrote. She explained that she initially remained silent because 'I don't want to take away from the stories of real victims of his; but your comment made me realize maybe its not clear - and it's important to let you know.'
Denial of Any Affiliation
Hadid firmly denied any connection to Epstein, stating, 'To be named in those files, I think I was 20-21 at the time he would have written that email - is disturbing, and I want to state unequivocally that I have never had any affiliation with that disgusting human being.' She added that the experience was deeply unsettling, given her age at the time of the email exchange.
Background on Her Career and Privilege
The model acknowledged growing up privileged as the daughter of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Yolanda Hadid and real estate developer Mohamed Hadid, but emphasized her parents' influence. 'They protected me and taught me the value of hard work. The same hard work that got them to this country and gave them careers,' she told the fan.
Hadid detailed her entry into the modeling industry, explaining that she and her sister applied for meetings with agencies in New York City just before she turned 18. 'My mom brought me herself to meetings with agencies in NYC... two of which she was signed to in her career - Marylins and Ford,' she recalled. After meeting with ten agencies, she signed with IMG Models in 2012, asserting, 'And I've worked hard every moment since.'
Content of the Epstein Email Exchange
In the December 2015 email, a redacted individual asked Epstein, 'How did the Hadid sisters became models and make so much money?! I don't understand...' Epstein replied, 'You know,' to which the other person speculated, 'The father paid the agency.' Epstein denied this, later adding, 'Because they follow directions, its that simple.'
Recent Sightings and Personal Life
Following her Instagram response, Hadid was spotted in New York City on Friday, dressed casually in a dark navy shirt, light blue jeans, a tan coat, burgundy loafers, and carrying a yellow purse. Her blonde hair was styled in a simple bun, accessorized with dangly earrings and sunglasses.
Hadid has been keeping busy, recently seen spending time with boyfriend Bradley Cooper in NYC. The couple, first linked in 2023, have been spotted on various outings together. In a March 2024 interview with Vogue, Hadid gushed about their relationship, describing a 'very romantic and happy dynamic' and expressing gratitude for their partnership.
'To find someone that is in a place in their life where they know what they want and deserve and you both do work separately to come together and be the best partner that you can be. I just feel really lucky,' she said. Hadid also praised Cooper's creativity and support.
Previously, Hadid dated former One Direction member Zayn Malik, with whom she shares five-year-old daughter Khai. In February 2024, Malik admitted he didn't believe he was ever 'in love' with Hadid during their relationship but stated he will 'always' care for her as they co-parent. Cooper is also a father to nine-year-old daughter Lea, whom he shares with ex Irina Shayk.
Daily Mail has reached out to a representative for Hadid for comment but has not yet received a response.
