Supermodel Gigi Hadid has publicly addressed her name appearing in recently released Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, calling the experience "disturbing" and stating it "made me sick to my stomach."
In a December 2015 email exchange included in the U.S. Department of Justice files, an unidentified individual questioned Epstein about the professional success of Gigi and her sister Bella Hadid, asking, "How did the Hadid sisters became models and make so much money?! I don't understand..."
Epstein responded cryptically with "You know," and when the individual suggested their father had paid a modeling agency, Epstein replied, "No." The disgraced financier later added, "Because they follow directions, its that simple."
Hadid responded to a social media comment on her March 29 Instagram post, explaining why she hadn't previously addressed the documents.
"Horrible to read someone you've never met speak about you that way. Especially in this context," she wrote on March 30. "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."
The 30-year-old model emphasized her work ethic and family background, noting that while she "grew up privileged," her parents "protected me and taught me the value of hard work." She signed with a modeling agency in 2012 and has "worked hard every moment since."
Hadid, who shares 5-year-old daughter Khai with ex-partner Zayn Malik, concluded her statement by clarifying her complete lack of association with Epstein.
"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 was arrested in July 2019 on charges of sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors. He died by suicide in prison weeks later, following a 2008 plea deal on charges of procuring a minor for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute.