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Gigi Hadid Responds to Epstein File Mentions, Denies Any Connection
Supermodel Gigi Hadid has addressed the recent controversy surrounding her name appearing in documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, describing the experience as making her feel “sick to my stomach.”
The 30-year-old and her sister Bella, 29, were referenced in a December 2015 email exchange between Epstein and an unidentified individual, part of files released by the Department of Justice. The emails questioned how the Hadid sisters became successful models and implied their father paid agencies for their success.
Gigi responded to criticism from a fan on Instagram, who accused her of remaining silent about the Epstein files. She wrote, “Horrible to read someone you’ve never met speak about you that way. Especially in this context,” though the comment was later removed.
Clarifying her position, Gigi explained that she didn’t want to detract from the experiences of actual victims but felt compelled to speak out. She emphasized her privileged upbringing and credited her parents for instilling the value of hard work, noting, “The same hard work that got them to this country and gave them careers.”
Detailing her path into modeling, Gigi said her mother personally took her to meetings with New York agencies just before she turned 18, including Marilyn and Ford, both of which her mother had been signed to during her own career. After meeting with about 10 agencies, she signed with IMG in 2012 and has worked diligently since.
Addressing the timing of the email, Gigi pointed out she was only 20 or 21 years old at the time and firmly stated, “I have never had any affiliation with that disgusting human being.”
In a follow-up message, she thanked supporters and sent love to those who reached out.
The email exchange in question includes a comment questioning how the Hadid sisters made so much money as models, with Epstein’s associate suggesting it was due to their father paying agencies-an assertion Epstein himself refuted, attributing their success to their ability to “follow directions.”
Gigi’s response aims to set the record straight amid swirling speculation, underscoring her commitment to her career and distancing herself from any association with Epstein.