Major Controversies Surrounding Gigi Hadid: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Gigi Hadid.

Gigi Hadid is a prominent American fashion model and television personality recognized as International Model of the Year in 2016 by the British Fashion Council. She has graced international Vogue covers over 50 times and is considered one of the "New Supers" by Models.com. Hadid has consistently been one of the world's highest-paid models, earning $20 million since 2017.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

November 20, 2016: Hosted American Music Awards

On November 20, 2016, Gigi Hadid hosted the American Music Awards alongside Jay Pharoah, receiving backlash for an impression of Melania Trump and later apologizing.

2016: Defending herself from Vitalii Sediuk

In 2016, Gigi Hadid was lifted off the ground from behind by Ukrainian prankster Vitalii Sediuk, who was pretending to play a prank on her. She was commended for defending herself during the incident.

January 2017: Protested Muslim Ban

In January 2017, Gigi Hadid and her sister Bella protested the Executive Order 13780 (commonly known as a "Muslim Ban") in New York City.

August 2017: Cover of American Vogue with Zayn Malik

In August 2017, Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik appeared on the cover of American Vogue, marking only the third time a couple had been featured on the cover. This appearance caused controversy due to Vogue misnaming them as gender fluid, for which Vogue later apologized.

2017: Chinese Visa Revoked

In 2017, Gigi Hadid's Chinese visa was reportedly revoked, preventing her from participating in the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai. This followed criticism of an online video showing her making a slant-eyes gesture, which was deemed racist by Chinese internet users.

2017: Peter Cepeda took a photo of Hadid

In 2017, photographer Peter Cepeda took a photo of Gigi Hadid, which she later posted on Instagram. He filed a lawsuit against her the following September and it was later settled outside of court.

October 2018: Shared a Photo without Permission

In October 2018, Gigi Hadid shared a photo of herself without the photographer's permission, which led to a lawsuit in January 2019.

January 2019: Lawsuit by Xclusive for sharing a photo

In late January 2019, Gigi Hadid was sued by the photo agency Xclusive for sharing an October 2018 photo of herself without obtaining permission from the photographer.

October 2021: Zayn Malik Harassment Charges and Breakup

In October 2021, Zayn Malik entered a no-contest plea to four charges of harassment against Gigi Hadid's mother, Yolanda. He received 360 days of probation and was required to attend anger management and domestic violence counseling. Following this incident, Hadid and Malik reportedly ended their relationship, but they continue to co-parent their daughter.

July 10, 2023: Arrested in Cayman Islands for drug possession

On July 10, 2023, Gigi Hadid was arrested in the Cayman Islands for importation of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Customs and border control discovered a small amount of marijuana and "smoking utensils" in her belongings when she arrived at Owen Roberts International Airport. Despite the determination that the marijuana was for personal use, Hadid was charged, fined $1,000, and released.