TODAY’S PAPER | April 05, 2026 | EPAPER

Gigi Hadid speaks out after being mentioned in Epstein files

The model publicly commented after a social media user said they had unfollowed her for not addressing the documents


Pop Culture & Art April 05, 2026 1 min read
Photo: AFP/Reuters

Gigi Hadid has responded after her name appeared in documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, describing the reference as “disturbing” and firmly denying any connection.

The model addressed the issue following the release of files by the United States Department of Justice, which included a December 2015 email exchange in which her name and that of her sister, Bella Hadid, were mentioned. In the exchange, a redacted individual questioned their professional success, asking, “How did the Hadid sisters became models and make so much money?! I don’t understand…”

After Epstein replied, “You know,” the individual wrote back, “The father paid the agency,” to which he responded, “No.” He later added, “Because they follow directions, its that simple.”

Hadid publicly commented after a social media user said they had unfollowed her for not addressing the documents. She wrote that the files “made me sick to my stomach” and explained her initial silence.

Photo: Instagram

Photo: Instagram

“Horrible to read someone you’ve never met speak about you that way. Especially in this context,” she said. “I didn’t comment bc 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.”

She also addressed her background, stating that although she “grew up privileged,” her parents “protected me and taught me the value of hard work,” adding that she has worked consistently since signing with a modelling agency in 2012.

“To be named in those files, I think I was 20-21 at the time he would have written that email—is disturbing,” she said, “and I want to state unequivocally that I have never had any affiliation with that disgusting human being.”

Epstein, who previously faced charges related to prostitution involving a minor, was arrested in 2019 on sex trafficking charges and died in prison weeks later.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ