Gigi Hadid breaks silence on Epstein Files mention: Here’s what she said in her first response
Supermodel Gigi Hadid has spoken out after her name surfaced in the controversial Epstein files, describing the mention as “disturbing” and voicing strong objection to being associated, even indirectly, with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Gigi Hadid Breaks Silence on Epstein Files
The 30-year-old model responded to a fan’s comment on social media, stating that reading about herself in the Epstein files “made me sick to my stomach.” The remark, later deleted, came after a user questioned her silence and hinted at withdrawing support.Hadid said she had initially avoided commenting to ensure attention remained on victims, but felt compelled to clarify after public confusion. “Horrible to read someone you’ve never met speak about you that way, especially in this context,” she wrote, distancing herself from any perceived connection.
‘Never Met Him’: Firm Denial of Association
Hadid asserted unequivocally that she had never met Epstein, describing him as a “disgusting human being”, as per the report by Digital Spy. She suggested that her name may have appeared in communications because Epstein often attempted to insert himself into conversations about careers to exert influence.“To be named in those files… is disturbing,” she noted, adding that she was in her early twenties at the time of the referenced correspondence, as per a report by Digital Spy. Her statement sought to draw a clear line between speculation and reality.
Context: How Her Name Appeared
The renewed scrutiny follows the release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice, which include a 2015 email exchange involving Epstein and an unidentified individual. In the correspondence, Hadid and her sister Bella were referenced in a discussion questioning their success in the modeling industry.The exchange included speculative and unverified claims, which Epstein himself denied in the thread. The mention, however, has triggered widespread online debate, drawing in multiple public figures whose names appeared in similar contexts.
A Career Built Independently, Says Hadid
Hadid also used the opportunity to reiterate her professional journey, highlighting her upbringing and entry into modeling. She credited her parents for instilling discipline and emphasized signing with IMG Models in 2012 as a key milestone.“I’ve worked hard every moment since,” she wrote, pushing back against insinuations that her career was influenced by external figures. Her response reflects a broader concern among public personalities about reputational damage stemming from indirect mentions in the documents.
Epstein Case Continues to Cast Long Shadow
The fallout from the Epstein files continues to reverberate years after Epstein’s death in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. He had previously pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges related to procuring a minor.His associate Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in facilitating abuse. The document releases have reignited discussions around accountability, influence, and the reputational risks faced by individuals named in peripheral contexts.
Balancing Response and Sensitivity
Hadid’s statement reflects a careful balance, firmly denying any connection while acknowledging the gravity of the case. She reiterated that her intention was not to overshadow the voices of victims, but to ensure clarity regarding her own position.
FAQs
Why was Gigi Hadid named in the Epstein files?
Her name appeared in a 2015 email exchange involving Jeffrey Epstein and another individual discussing models, but there is no evidence of direct involvement.Did Gigi Hadid know Jeffrey Epstein?
No, Hadid has stated clearly that she never met Epstein and had no affiliation with him.The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
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