Supermodel Gigi Hadid has spoken publicly after her name, along with that of her sister Bella Hadid, appeared in documents linked to late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Emails from 2015, recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice and reviewed by media outlets, showed an exchange between Epstein and an unidentified individual discussing how the Hadid sisters rose to prominence in the fashion world. In the correspondence, the anonymous sender speculated whether their father had financially backed their modeling careers. Epstein dismissed the suggestion, attributing their success to their professionalism.

Following renewed attention around the emails, a social media user criticised Gigi for not addressing the matter. In response — in a comment that was later deleted — the model clarified her stance.

Calling the email “disturbing,” Gigi said it was unsettling to see someone she had never met refer to her in that context. She explained that she initially chose not to comment because she did not want to shift focus away from Epstein’s victims, but felt compelled to speak after questions continued online.

She firmly denied any association with Epstein, stating she had “never had any affiliation” with him. Gigi also reflected on her upbringing, acknowledging her privileged background while crediting her parents, Mohamed Hadid and Yolanda Hadid, for instilling discipline and a strong work ethic.

The model added that since signing with her agency in 2012, she has worked consistently to build her career.

Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on federal charges related to sex trafficking of minors. Weeks later, in August 2019, he died by suicide in a New York jail while awaiting trial. Numerous women had accused him of abuse over the years.