USA-ALSHARQIYA July 26: News reports said that American model Gigi Hadid was arrested last week, after she was found in possession of marijuana while on vacation in the Cayman Islands, according to the British newspaper The Times, Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Reports said that the 28-year-old model was taken to court, accompanied by her friend, American citizen Leah Nicole McCarthy.
The girls were arrested last week after a search of their belongings and officials found "marijuana and paraphernalia used for its consumption," according to the Cayman Marl Road newspaper in the British Overseas Territories, known for its beaches.
Reports said that Gigi, whose real name is Jelena Noura Hadid, and her friend traveled to the island in the Caribbean Sea on a private plane.
The girls were arrested at Owen Roberts International Airport, in Grand Cayman, on suspicion of possession of illegal drugs and related paraphernalia. They were charged with drug possession in a prisoner detention centre, and were released on bail.
During their appearance in court on July 12, Hadid and her friend pleaded guilty to the charge and were fined $1,000.
Local media reported that no other charges had been brought against them, and that this charge would not be added to their newspapers.
The reports also stated that the amount of drugs found after searching their bags was "relatively limited, and appeared to be intended for personal consumption."
In a statement to E News, a spokesperson for Gigi Hadid claimed the drugs were for medical use, saying, "Gigi traveled with marijuana that she purchased legally in New York City with a medical license. Her medical use has also been legal in Grand Cayman since 2017. Her page is still clean." She enjoyed the rest of her time on the island."
Although Gigi posts about her vacation on social media, she has not yet addressed this incident directly.
But she posted a picture on her Instagram account on Tuesday, July 18, showing her and another girl sitting on the beach, and attached the picture to the comment: All's well that ends well, or "Things are fine."
