Gigi and Bella Hadid kept their half-sister a secret for a year-and-a-half in order to protect her "privacy"

She connected with the Hadids in 2023 and a source told Us Weekly: "Bella, Gigi and Anwar have met Ayden and have been in touch with her for about a year and a half now. have welcomed her with open arms and are fully embracing her as their sibling.

"It was a complete shock to the whole family. They kept this news a secret for the sake of Ayden's privacy. The Hadid sisters and Anwar have tried to not pass judgment about the situation.

"The family wanted to keep things private until Ayden was ready. Gigi and Bella have given her space but are always warm and there for her if she wants to get in touch or see them. They don't see each other often and haven't spent much time together. Ayden has a lot in common with Bella and Gigi and they have bonded over NYC and the fashion industry. She looks up to the girls a lot."

Gigi and Bella revealed their half-sister in a statement released to the Daily Mail, saying: "Over 20 years ago, our dad, while single, had a brief relationship that led to a pregnancy. Aydan was born and raised in Florida, growing up with the man she lovingly knew as her father until his sudden passing when she was 19.

"We first connected in late 2023, and from that moment on, we've embraced Aydan with open arms.

"She's spent time with all of us, including our dad, and we've cherished this unexpected and beautiful addition to our family. As siblings, we've had many open and loving conversations - with Aydan included - about how to support and protect her.

"Aydan and her family value their privacy, and we fully respect that. We kindly ask others to do the same as she continues her life as a young woman in New York."

The Daily Mail reports Mohamed has "always" known about the existence of his youngest daughter and has been "cordial and pleasant".

A source told the publication: "There's mutual respect. But there's also discretion."

Mohamed and Yolanda were married between 1994 and 2000. They are parents to Gigi, 30, and Bella, 28, as well as their younger brother Anwar. He also has two daughters - Marielle, 44, and Alana, 39 - from his previous marriage to Mary Butler.