For nearly a decade, the friendship between supermodel Gigi Hadid and global superstar Taylor Swift was often viewed by the public as part of the flashy, choreographed phenomenon known as the “squad.” The narrative suggested a superficial collection of celebrity friends brought together for high-profile events and music video cameos.
However, Hadid recently offered a compelling counterpoint, revealing that her relationship with the singer is far more intimate and supportive than the glossy exterior ever suggested. Hadid disclosed that while the public often perceived their bond as merely part of the famous circle, Swift was the one who demonstrated the most genuine and consistent care, especially during the transformative time of motherhood.
The Misconception vs. The Personal Connection
The public had difficulty seeing past the highly produced image of the “squad,” assuming that the sheer size of the friend group diluted the authenticity of the individual relationships.
-
The Misunderstanding: People thought this relationship was just part of the famous “squad”—a public relations accessory that lacked real depth.
-
The Truth Revealed: Hadid revealed that Taylor Swift was the one who kept in touch the most regularly, always checking in and supporting her in her role as a mother, proving their friendship is deeper and more real than the flashy exterior.
This support system, focused on consistent, personal check-ins during one of the most challenging and private periods of Hadid’s life (the birth of her daughter Khai), demonstrates that Swift is ultimately focused on personal connection over public display.
🎁 Data Point: The Handmade Blanket
The depth of this friendship was quietly underscored by a highly personal and thoughtful gesture when Hadid welcomed her daughter, Khai, in September 2020. While celebrity friends often send luxurious gifts, Swift sent something uniquely meaningful: a handmade pink blanket for the newborn.
Hadid posted a picture of her daughter resting with the gift, which Swift had personally knitted, showing a side of the global superstar focused on intimate connection rather than grand gestures. The fact that Swift also gifted Khai a stuffed bear sewn from one of her old dresses, affectionately called “Ugly Bear,” further cements this commitment to sentimental, personal gestures.
🌟 Notable Event: The “Bad Blood” Role
Their friendship, which began around 2014, was most visible during the highly-produced “squad” era, centered on the music video for the song “Bad Blood” (2015).
-
The Role: Gigi Hadid featured prominently in the award-winning music video, where she took on the sleek, powerful alter-ego, “Slay-Z.” The video, directed by Joseph Kahn, was a spectacle that united a large group of celebrity friends and critics argued it was more about image than substance.
Hadid’s later revelations, however, provided the necessary context, showing that the fun, high-octane collaborations were underpinned by a solid foundation of mutual respect. As Hadid told Harper’s Bazaar in 2017, Swift was one of the first people she turned to for advice, praising her ability to “see all sides of a situation and simplify it for you.”
This continued support, evolving from glamorous music videos to consistent, private encouragement during motherhood, proves the enduring power of a friendship that moved beyond a viral Hollywood trend into a reliable, real-life connection.