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In a raw and deeply reflective interview, musician Zayn Malik has opened up about his past relationship with supermodel Gigi Hadid, clarifying that while he holds a permanent love for her, he no longer believes he was “in love” during their six-year romance. Speaking during an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, the 33-year-old artist shared how age and personal growth have fundamentally reshaped his understanding of romantic connection.
The conversation began when host Alex Cooper revisited a controversial statement Malik made years prior, in which he claimed he had never truly been in love. Malik stood by the sentiment, explaining that his definition of the emotion has evolved since his twenties. “At that moment in time, I might have thought it was love,” Malik admitted. “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.”
The singer was careful to draw a distinction between the intensity of a relationship and the maturity of being “in love.” He offered a vulnerable moment of self-accountability, suggesting that the lack of true, foundational love impacted how he navigated the partnership. “I do love her a crazy amount, but no, I don’t think I was in love with her at that point,” he noted. “Otherwise, I would’ve been a better version of myself.”
Despite these candid reflections, Malik emphasized that his bond with Hadid remains unbreakable due to their role as co-parents to their five-year-old daughter, Khai. He praised Hadid as a mother and a partner in parenting, stating, “I will always love G because she’s the reason my child is on this earth, and I have the utmost respect for her.”
The interview also touched on Malik’s current lifestyle, which he described as “freeing.” After a decade of high-profile, back-to-back relationships, the singer revealed he is currently single and embracing a more private life. He expressed no desire to return to “public relationships,” noting that he no longer seeks external approval or attention from the media.
Malik is currently preparing for the release of his fifth studio album, KONNAKOL, which is scheduled for April 2026. The lead single, “Die for Me,” explores themes of heartbreak and unreciprocated devotion, echoing the themes of self-reflection discussed during the podcast.
