Gigi Hadid, the 28-year-old model, and her close friend, Leah McCarthy, recently admitted their guilt to charges related to the importation of marijuana and associated utensils in the picturesque Cayman Islands last week.
After a court appearance on July 12, both Hadid and McCarthy were fined $1,000 Cayman Islands Dollars, and remarkably, no convictions were recorded, as stated by the Cayman Islands Customs & Border Control, according to a press release conveyed to USA TODAY on Tuesday.
Furthermore, the Cayman Islands’ Judicial Administration spokesperson confirmed that the fines imposed on Hadid and McCarthy have been duly settled.
The duo faced arrest on July 10, following their arrival on a private airplane. A thorough luggage inspection led to the discovery of a small quantity of marijuana, as reported by Customs & Border Control. Subsequently, they were charged with two offenses: the importation of a controlled drug and the importation of a drug utensil, according to court documents retrieved by USA TODAY.
Amidst the controversy, a representative for Hadid responded to USA TODAY via email, asserting that the model was indeed “traveling with marijuana purchased legally in NYC with a Medical license.”
The representative went on to add, “It has also been legal for medical use in Grand Cayman since 2017.” Emphasizing Hadid’s clear record, they concluded by stating that she enjoyed the remainder of her time on the island.
According to a 2019 fact sheet by the National Drug Council of the Cayman Islands, “It is illegal to import or export cannabis in any form across the Cayman border. This applies to all countries, whether it is legal there or not,” which also includes cannabis products prescribed for medical purposes.
However, there is an exception for the therapeutic and medical use of cannabis extracts and traces when prescribed by a licensed doctor within the Cayman Islands, even though recreational cannabis in any form remains illegal.
Interestingly, Gigi Hadid is only the latest high-profile individual caught in possession of marijuana while traveling.
Last year, Brittney Griner, a WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, found herself embroiled in a noteworthy international incident after being arrested for allegedly carrying marijuana paraphernalia during her trip. In February 2022, she was taken into custody in Moscow for purportedly attempting to bring vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil into Russia, and five months later, Griner pleaded guilty to the charges.
