Major Controversies Surrounding Gigi Hadid: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 25, 2026

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 globally. She achieved the title of International Model of the Year in 2016 by the British Fashion Council. Hadid's career boasts over 50 appearances in international Vogue editions and a "New Supers" ranking by Models.com. Since 2017, she has consistently been among the highest-paid models worldwide, earning $20 million.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

November 20, 2016: Hosted the American Music Awards and Received Backlash

On November 20, 2016, Gigi Hadid hosted the American Music Awards alongside Jay Pharoah. She received backlash for an impression of Melania Trump during the show and later apologized.

2016: Defended herself from prankster Vitalii Sediuk

In 2016, Gigi Hadid was lifted off the ground from behind by Vitalii Sediuk, a self-styled Ukrainian prankster, under the pretense of a prank. Hadid was commended for how she defended herself during the incident in 2016.

January 2017: Protested Muslim Ban

In January 2017, after former President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 13769 (commonly known as a "Muslim Ban"), Hadid and her sister, Bella, protested among others in New York City.

August 2017: Vogue Cover Controversy

In August 2017, Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik appeared on the cover of American Vogue, but it courted controversy because Vogue misnamed them as gender fluid, for which Vogue apologized.

2017: Chinese visa revoked for racist gesture

In 2017, Gigi Hadid's Chinese visa was reportedly revoked after an online video showing her doing a slant-eyes gesture in imitation of Buddha was criticized as racist by Chinese internet users. She could not participate in the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

2017: Photographer Peter Cepeda took a photo of her

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 photo of herself without permission

In October 2018, Gigi Hadid shared a photo of herself without the photographer's permission, leading to a lawsuit.

January 2019: Sued by Xclusive for sharing photo

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

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 was sentenced to probation and counseling. Following the incident, Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik reportedly ended their relationship.

November 7, 2022: Deleted Twitter Account

On November 7, 2022, Gigi Hadid deleted her Twitter account, citing that with its new leadership it had become a cesspool of hate and bigotry, which she did not want to be a part of.

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

On July 10, 2023, Gigi Hadid was arrested in the Cayman Islands under charges of importation of drugs and drug paraphernalia after customs and border control discovered a small amount of marijuana, along with "smoking utensils". She was fined $1,000 and released.