Zayn Malik, the former One Direction member, has publicly stated that despite a six-year relationship and a child together, he never experienced true romantic love with supermodel Gigi Hadid. This revelation came during a February 11 interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where he doubled down on earlier comments made on The Zach Sang Show in 2024.
Evolving Definition of Love
Malik explained that his understanding of love has matured over time. While he may have thought he was in love during the relationship (2015-2021), he now believes the connection was more likely lust or another form of intense attraction, rather than genuine, lasting affection.
“Yeah, because my understanding of love is always developing… Maybe it was lust. Maybe it was this, maybe it was that. Um, I don’t feel like it was love.”
Despite this admission, Malik expressed deep respect and enduring affection for Hadid as the mother of his daughter, Kahi, born in 2020. He emphasized that he will always love her for bringing his child into the world.
Respectful Co-Parenting
The pair appear to maintain a civil and mature co-parenting relationship, coordinating custody schedules well in advance. Hadid spoke on this in a 2025 Vogue interview, describing their dynamic as one of “love and camaraderie.” Both parents reportedly prioritize their daughter’s well-being and mutual support.
However, Hadid also expressed frustration with the public overexposure of their personal lives, stating that outsiders assume they know the full story. She and Malik prefer to focus on raising their daughter with respect for one another.
This case underscores the complexities of relationships, even among high-profile figures. It raises questions about how we define love—especially in long-term connections that end—and what it means to maintain respect and co-parenting after romantic feelings fade. The couple’s ability to co-exist peacefully despite these admissions is a testament to their maturity, even as the public continues to dissect their personal lives.
