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 the covers of international Vogue editions over 50 times. Models.com considers her among the "New Supers." Since 2017, she has consistently ranked among the world's highest-paid models, earning around $20 million.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

November 20, 2016: Hosted American Music Awards and Melania Trump Impression Controversy

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

In 2016, Gigi Hadid was lifted off the ground by Vitalii Sediuk under the pretense of a prank, and she defended herself from him.

January 2017: Protest Against Muslim Ban

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

August 2017: Cover of American Vogue

In August 2017, Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik appeared on the cover of American Vogue. It sparked controversy due to Vogue misnaming them as gender fluid.

2017: Chinese visa revoked

In 2017, Gigi Hadid's Chinese visa was reportedly revoked, preventing her participation in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after a video of her making a slant-eyes gesture was criticized as racist.

2017: Photo taken by Peter Cepeda, lawsuit filed

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.

January 2019: Sued by Xclusive

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

October 2021: Malik harassment charges and split

In October 2021, Zayn Malik entered a no-contest plea to harassment charges against Yolanda Hadid, and he and Gigi Hadid reportedly ended their relationship after the incident.

2022: Donations to Ukraine and Palestine

In 2022, Gigi Hadid pledged to donate her earnings from the Fall 2022 shows to help Ukrainian victims of the Russian invasion and Palestinians.

July 10, 2023: Arrested in the Cayman Islands

On July 10, 2023, Gigi Hadid was arrested in the Cayman Islands for importation of drugs and drug paraphernalia after a small amount of marijuana was found among her belongings. She was fined $1,000 and released.