Zayn Malik Faces Backlash After Questioning His Love for Gigi Hadid
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Zayn Malik, the former One Direction star, is facing intense public backlash following his recent remarks about his past relationship with supermodel Gigi Hadid. Appearing on the popular Call Her Daddy podcast, Malik reflected on his six-year on-and-off relationship with Hadid, which began in 2015 and produced a daughter, Khai, in 2020. However, Malik’s candid comments about never having truly been in love with Hadid have sparked a wave of criticism across social media platforms.
During the interview, host Alex Cooper asked Malik about his previous statements that he had never “truly been in love.” Malik responded, “At that moment in time, I might have thought it was love, but as I got older, I realized maybe it wasn’t. Maybe it was lust, maybe it was this, maybe it was that? I don’t feel like it was love.” He added, “Just to say this on record, I will always love G because she is the reason my child is on this earth, and I have the utmost respect for her. But I don’t know if I was ever in love with her.”
This is not the first time Malik has publicly questioned his experiences with love. In 2024, on the Zach Sang Show, he similarly expressed uncertainty about his past relationships, pondering whether what he felt was love or simply life experience.
Malik and Hadid’s relationship has been under public scrutiny for years, especially following reports of a physical altercation in 2021 involving Malik and Hadid’s mother, Yolanda Hadid. Malik denied the allegations but entered a “no contest” plea to four counts of harassment. Despite the tumultuous events, the couple has reportedly maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship.
Social media users quickly reacted to Malik’s latest comments, with many accusing him of sounding “heartless and callous” given their shared history and child. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) have garnered hundreds of thousands of likes, criticizing the timing and tone of Malik’s remarks. Some commentators have suggested that while it is not uncommon for individuals to reevaluate their understanding of love as they mature, Malik’s public articulation of these feelings may have been insensitive to Hadid.
Others have defended Malik, noting that the complexity of love and relationships can evolve over time, and that his reflections may resonate with many who question their past emotions. The debate highlights the challenges celebrities face when discussing private matters in public forums.
For those interested, Malik’s full interview is available on the Call Her Daddy podcast website. Meanwhile, the ongoing discourse underscores the broader conversation about love, celebrity privacy, and the impact of public statements on personal relationships.
More context on the couple’s history and Malik’s legal issues can be found through official public records and coverage from reputable sources such as the U.S. Department of Justice and major news outlets.
As this story develops, it serves as a reminder of the complexities behind celebrity relationships and the scrutiny that comes with fame.
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