Gigi Hadid celebrates freedom after Cayman Islands arrest with thirst traps on the beach


Gigi Hadid, the renowned fashion model and TV personality, recently found herself in a legal predicament while on vacation in the Cayman Islands. She and her friend, Leah Nicole McCarthy, were arrested on suspicion of attempting to bring marijuana into the country. However, after a brief stay in jail, they were released and celebrated their freedom by sharing photos and videos on Instagram from a luxurious hotel pool and beach.

Gigi Hadid


The Caribbean vacation post on Hadid's Instagram showed her posing with swimsuit-clad friends at a beachside resort, enjoying oysters, and indulging in some seriously tasty-looking margarita pizza. The caption, "All's well that ends well," didn't directly address the arrest but hinted at the relief of the situation being resolved.


Despite the arrest, Hadid's outcome was fortunate compared to what she could have faced. Hadid, whose real name is Jelena Noura Hadid, and her friend, McCarthy, admitted in court to illegally importing marijuana and smoking instruments. However, they were able to avoid harsher penalties by paying a $1,200 fine. In the Cayman Islands, the same charge can lead to a three-year prison sentence with hard labor and, for some cases, seven years in prison along with a $20,000 fine. Furthermore, such a drug charge can severely impact the lives of typical Caymanians, affecting their education, employment, and travel opportunities.



Hadid and McCarthy arrived in the Cayman Islands on a private jet from the United States on July 10, as confirmed by the islands' Customs & Border Control. After searching their luggage, the authorities found a small amount of marijuana and a "drug utensil," leading to their arrest and subsequent charges of importing marijuana and drug consumption utensils. The duo spent a short time in jail before posting bail and appearing in court, where they pleaded guilty and were eventually freed with no criminal record.



Hadid's representative informed E! News that the model had legally purchased the marijuana in New York City with a medical license. Nevertheless, the transportation of marijuana into the Cayman Islands is illegal, even though the drug itself is legal for medicinal use in the country.


Over the years, the Cayman Islands has been making efforts to decriminalize marijuana. In 2021, a group of Caymanians collected signatures for a voter-led referendum to decriminalize the drug, aiming to expunge convictions for individuals convicted of using or possessing small amounts of marijuana. In 2022, the islands' Parliament also voted to hold a referendum to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, recognizing the disproportionate impact of such laws on young adults, particularly those living in lower-income communities.


The statistics from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service indicate that in 2022, 154 people were arrested for drug-related crimes in the country, with the majority of marijuana-related arrests being for possession. Importing weed, the charge faced by Hadid and her friend, accounted for only three arrests. The data also points to the fact that arrests for drug-related offenses are more common among lower-income residents due to higher crime rates and increased police surveillance in these areas.


Notably, Gigi Hadid is not the only celebrity to encounter strict marijuana laws while traveling internationally. WNBA star Brittney Griner faced a similar situation in February 2022 when she was arrested at a Moscow airport for possessing vape cartridges. Griner, a queer Black woman, experienced harsh treatment from Russian authorities and was ultimately convicted of drug possession and sentenced to nine years in prison. After spending ten months in a challenging Russian prison known for its tough conditions, she was released through a prisoner swap late last year.


The legal troubles faced by Gigi Hadid and other celebrities highlight the complexities and varying attitudes toward marijuana laws worldwide. While some regions are moving towards decriminalization to alleviate the burden on young adults and marginalized communities, others maintain stringent laws that can have severe consequences for those caught in possession of the drug. As the debate surrounding marijuana legalization continues, it remains essential to consider the broader social implications and address the disparities in law enforcement practices.