Gigi Hadid Addresses Appearance in Epstein Files: 'Sick to My Stomach'

Model says she's 'disturbed' by her name appearing in notorious investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:24am

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Model Gigi Hadid is speaking out after her name appeared in the notorious Epstein Files, the FBI's investigation of convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Hadid said she was 'sick to my stomach' to see her name in the files and stated unequivocally that she has never had any affiliation with Epstein, calling him a 'disgusting human being'.

Why it matters

Hadid's comments come as other high-profile celebrities and public figures, including Naomi Campbell, have also been named in the Epstein Files, raising questions about the extent of Epstein's connections to the entertainment and fashion industries. Hadid's response highlights the disturbing nature of the Epstein case and the impact it has had on those tangentially involved.

The details

In a March 2015 email exchange between Epstein and an unnamed individual, the person asked how the Hadid sisters, Gigi and Bella, became successful models and made so much money. Epstein replied, 'You know,' and when the individual guessed that their father 'paid the agency,' Epstein said, 'No, because they follow directions, it's that simple.' Hadid, who was around 20-21 years old at the time, said she found this 'disturbing' and wanted to make clear she has never had any affiliation with Epstein.

  • In March 2015, Epstein exchanged emails about the Hadid sisters.
  • Gigi Hadid responded to an Instagram comment about her name appearing in the Epstein Files on March 29, 2026.

The players

Gigi Hadid

A 30-year-old model who spoke out after her name appeared in the notorious Epstein Files, the FBI's investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender and financier who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

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What they’re saying

“Made me sick to my stomach”

— Gigi Hadid, Model

“Horrible to read someone you've never met speak about you that way. Especially in this context. Never in my life met the monster — to me it was so obvious, in that email chain, he tried to take responsibility for people's careers in order to manipulate his victims (in this case, whoever was emailing him questions about my career) … who never saw the work he claimed he'd get them.”

— Gigi Hadid, Model

“I didn't comment bc I don't want to take away from the stories of the real victims of his; but your comment made me realize maybe it's not clear — and it's important to let you know — I grew up privileged, yes. But my parents protected me and taught me the value of hard work, the same hard work that got them to this country and gave them careers.”

— Gigi Hadid, Model

The takeaway

Hadid's response highlights the disturbing nature of the Epstein case and the impact it has had on those tangentially involved, even famous models like herself. Her comments emphasize the importance of separating the stories of Epstein's victims from those who were merely mentioned in the investigation, and the need to recognize the hard work and merit behind the success of models like the Hadid sisters.