Major Controversies Surrounding Gigi Hadid: A Detailed Timeline

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

Gigi Hadid, born Jelena Noura Hadid, is a prominent American fashion model and television personality. Her success is evidenced by being named International Model of the Year in 2016 by the British Fashion Council. She has appeared in over 50 international Vogue editions and is recognized as one of the "New Supers" by Models.com. Hadid has consistently been among the highest-paid models globally since 2017, earning around $20 million.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

November 20, 2016: Hosted the 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: Defended herself from prankster Vitalii Sediuk

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

January 2017: Protest Against Muslim Ban

In January 2017, after former President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 13780 (commonly known as a "Muslim Ban"), Gigi 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, which misnamed them as gender fluid, leading to controversy and a subsequent apology from Vogue.

2017: Photographed by Peter Cepeda, later sued for Instagram post

In 2017, Gigi Hadid was photographed by Peter Cepeda. She later posted the photo on Instagram, leading to a lawsuit that was settled out of court.

2017: Chinese visa revoked for racist gesture

In 2017, Gigi Hadid's Chinese visa was reportedly revoked, preventing her from participating in the 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after an online video showing her doing a slant-eyes gesture in imitation of Buddha was criticized as racist by Chinese internet users.

October 2018: Shared a 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 for sharing photo without permission

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

October 2021: Zayn Malik harassment charges and relationship end

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. Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik reportedly ended their relationship after the incident and now co-parent their daughter.

November 7, 2022: Deleted Twitter account

On November 7, 2022, Gigi Hadid deleted her Twitter account due to its increasingly hateful content, stating it was not a place she wanted to be a part of.

July 10, 2023: Arrested in the 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 and smoking utensils in her belongings at the Owen Roberts International Airport. She was fined $1,000 and released after it was determined that the possession was for personal use only.