Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Gigi Hadid has spoken out after her name surfaced in newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents, saying the situation left her feeling physically ill.
Responding to a fan on Instagram who said they wanted to unfollow her for not addressing the files, the supermodel wrote in a now-deleted comment: “Made me sick to my stomach,” according to Page Six.
“Horrible to read someone you’ve never met speak about you that way. Especially in this context,” she added.
Hadid insisted she has never had any connection to Epstein, writing that she had “never in my (sic) met the monster.” She suggested her name may have appeared because Epstein “tried to take responsibility of peoples careers in order to manipulate his victims.”
Explaining why she had initially stayed silent, Hadid said she didn’t want to distract from survivors. “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 realise maybe its not clear-and it’s important to let you know,” she wrote.
She also pushed back on any suggestion her career was handed to her, saying: “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.”
Hadid went on to outline her early modelling journey, including meeting agencies before turning 18 and later signing with IMG in 2012, adding that she has worked consistently ever since.
“And I’ve worked hard every moment since. To be named in those files, I think I was 20-21 at the time he would have written that email- is disturbing, and I want to state unequivocally that I have never had any affiliation with that disgusting human being,” she wrote.
“May he rest in (fire emojis),” Hadid concluded.
The exchange ended on a softer note, with the fan calling it a “COMPLETE HONOR” to receive a reply, prompting Hadid to respond: “sending love thanks for your support x.”
According to documents released by the US Department of Justice, Hadid and her sister Bella were referenced in a December 2015 email exchange between Epstein and an unidentified person.
In the emails, the unnamed individual questioned the sisters’ success, writing: “How did the Hadid sisters became (sic) models and make so much money?! I don’t understand,” to which Epstein replied: “You know.”
The person then alleged their father, Mohamed Hadid, “paid the agency,” prompting Epstein to respond: “No.”
The exchange became more explicit, with the unidentified individual claiming “there are too many girls giving blowjobs,” to which Epstein replied: “agreed.”
Epstein, who was previously convicted of sex offences, was charged in 2019 with sex trafficking minors and accused of abusing dozens of underage girls. He died by suicide in jail while awaiting trial. His associate Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028.
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
