Hailey “Bailey” Khalil’s Legal Drama with Ex-Husband

Hailey “Bailey” Khalil, the former Sports Illustrated model and influencer, is in the spotlight after revealing personal details about her ex-husband during a live stream. The 33-year-old influencer has recently moved to dismiss a lawsuit filed by her ex, Matt Kalil, a former NFL player, who accuses her of offering “invasive commentary” about their marriage on Twitch in November 2025.

The couple began dating and later married in 2015, gaining notoriety for their appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.

Hailey’s legal issues mark a new chapter in her career, which took off after featuring in Sports Illustrated. She’s been reflecting on her journey leading to this moment.

Model Career and Rise to Fame

Hailey started modeling while studying medical biology at St. Cloud State University. In 2014, she competed in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant and was the runner-up. Her breakthrough came in 2017 when she was selected for the Sports Illustrated Swim Search and subsequently featured in the magazine. By 2018, she was named Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Newcomer of the Year, continuing to model for them until 2019.

She remarked on how Sports Illustrated transformed her life, stating that the platform opened many doors for her, despite initial rejections from modeling agencies.

Influencer Journey

Hailey’s journey as an influencer began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she started posting on TikTok. Initially, her audience was predominantly male, largely due to her model-oriented content. However, an apartment tour video she created went viral, and she noticed a positive shift in her audience demographics.

Interacting with her female viewers felt refreshing for her. She shared her surprise at the supportive comments from women who related to her, which encouraged her to share more of her authentic self instead of conforming to modeling stereotypes.

Now, with over 16 million followers, Hailey’s content often garners millions of views. She’s become a recognizable figure at events like the Grammys and Golden Globes.

Her latest appearance was at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards.

Controversy at the Met Gala

In May 2024, Hailey faced backlash over a video she posted from the Met Gala, where she wore an elaborate dress and lip-synced to a line from the movie *Marie Antoinette*. Critics deemed the timing inappropriate due to ongoing protests outside the event, leading her to apologize and clarify her intentions.

She expressed regret for any offense caused, stating she never aimed to highlight wealth disparity. “I didn’t think about it that deeply,” she admitted.

Podcast Insights

Recently, on a podcast, Hailey shared her journey into entertainment. Growing up in Minnesota, she admired the fashion and entertainment industries but thought she would never access them. Her initial career aspirations leaned toward medicine due to her academic background.

Yet, witnessing her own success has felt surreal. “It’s hard to believe I’ve come this far,” she reflected.

Previously, she described her first *Sports Illustrated* photo as “magical,” recalling the challenges she faced as a nerdy kid aspiring to model.

Ex-Husband’s Lawsuit

In January 2026, Matt filed a lawsuit against Hailey, claiming her comments during the Twitch stream regarding their intimate life and divorce were damaging. Notably, she mentioned how the size of his anatomy influenced their breakup.

In response, Hailey has sought to dismiss the claims, emphasizing the importance of free speech in sharing personal experiences. Her attorney argued that women should not be penalized for recounting true stories.

Matt’s lawyer countered, highlighting the lawsuit’s focus on Hailey’s alleged invasion of privacy rather than free speech. As this legal battle unfolds, the dynamics of their past relationship continue to attract public interest.