Gigi Hadid Addresses Epstein Files Controversy
Gigi Hadid Responds to Epstein Files
File image of the Supermodel Gigi Hadid(Photo: @GHBRMidia/X)
Los Angeles, April 6: Gigi Hadid, the renowned supermodel, has finally shared her thoughts regarding her and her sister Bella Hadid's names appearing in the controversial Epstein documents.
According to a 2015 email exchange between Jeffrey Epstein and an unidentified individual, which was made public by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and analyzed by various outlets, the anonymous person inquired how Gigi, 30, and Bella, 29, achieved their modeling success and wealth.
Epstein's response was vague, leading the individual to speculate that their father might have financially influenced the modeling agency.
Epstein denied this, stating, “Because they follow directions, it’s that simple.”
After the email surfaced, a social media user expressed their disappointment on Gigi’s Instagram, stating they had to unfollow her due to her silence regarding the Epstein files.
Numerous women have accused Epstein of sexual misconduct from 2008 to 2019.
In July 2019, Epstein faced arrest on charges of sex trafficking minors and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking. He died by suicide in his jail cell on August 10 while awaiting trial.
In a now-deleted response to the Instagram comment, Gigi clarified her reasons for not addressing her mention in the Epstein files sooner.
“It’s horrible to read someone you’ve never met speak about you in such a manner, especially in this context,” she stated, as reported by various news outlets.
“I refrained from commenting because I didn’t want to detract from the real victims’ stories; however, your comment made me realize the need to clarify.”
“Being named in those files at the age of 20-21 is unsettling. I want to make it clear that I have never had any connection with that reprehensible individual.”
Gigi acknowledged her privileged upbringing, crediting her parents, Mohamed and Yolanda Hadid, for instilling the importance of hard work in her.
She concluded by stating that since signing with a modeling agency in 2012, she has diligently worked for every opportunity that has come her way.