Zayn Malik has opened up about his past relationship with supermodel Gigi Hadid, offering candid reflections on love, growth and co-parenting during a recent podcast appearance.
Speaking on the Feb. 11 episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, the former One Direction singer said his understanding of love has evolved over time, leading him to question whether he was ever truly in love with Hadid during their relationship.
Zayn says he doesn’t know if he was ever In Love with Gigi Hadid but loves and respects her for having his child. pic.twitter.com/NeuzSib5Li
— EMPIRE (@EmpireIX) February 11, 2026
“Maybe it was lust, maybe it was this, maybe it was that. I don’t feel like it was love,” Malik said, while emphasizing his enduring respect and affection for Hadid. “I will always love G, because she is the reason my child is on this Earth and I have the utmost respect for her. I will always love her, but I don’t know if I was in love with her.”
Malik suggested that if he had been in love at the time, he believes he would have behaved differently. He also clarified that his comments were not intended as criticism, stressing that he maintains deep respect for all of his former partners.
Malik and Hadid began dating in 2015 and officially separated in October 2021. They share a five-year-old daughter, Khai, whom they continue to co-parent.
The singer described single life as “freeing,” explaining that it allows him to focus on personal growth, parenting and his career without external pressures. He added that future relationships would need to be serious before introducing a partner to his daughter, saying he would likely need to envision marriage first.
Reflecting on past relationships, Malik said they contributed to his personal development. “You live and learn from it,” he noted.
Malik is preparing to release his upcoming album, “Konnakol,” on April 17. The project’s lead single, “Die For Me,” was released earlier this month.
