Zayn Malik has sparked intense discussion online after revealing in a recent conversation that he does not know if he was ever truly in love with Gigi Hadid, despite their long relationship and the fact that they share a daughter together.
The former One Direction singer clarified that while he may be uncertain about the nature of his past feelings, he still loves and respects Hadid deeply, especially as the mother of his child. He emphasized that co-parenting and mutual respect remain important to him.
Still, it was not the sentiment itself that triggered reactions. It was the way it was said publicly.
Many people online felt the comment was unnecessarily harsh, arguing that some thoughts do not need to be shared in public, especially when they involve the mother of one’s child. Critics said that even if his feelings have changed with time, publicly questioning whether he ever loved her could be embarrassing or hurtful.
Social media reactions were swift and divided. Some users wrote that honesty should not come at the cost of someone else’s dignity, especially when the relationship was already over. Others questioned why he chose to answer the question at all, suggesting he could have declined to respond or given a more neutral answer.
A number of commenters framed the situation from Gigi Hadid’s perspective, pointing out that she may now have to see headlines debating whether her former partner ever loved her, something many felt was unfair given their shared history and family.
At the same time, some fans defended Malik, saying people often reinterpret their past relationships differently as they grow older. They argued that acknowledging uncertainty about past emotions does not necessarily mean disrespect, and that he still spoke about Hadid with care and appreciation.
Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid had an on-and-off relationship for several years before ultimately separating. During that time, they became one of the most closely followed celebrity couples, often keeping their private life relatively low-key compared to others in the public eye. Their daughter, Khai, was born in 2020, and both parents have repeatedly said that co-parenting peacefully is their priority.
The debate surrounding Malik’s remarks reflects a larger conversation about celebrity honesty in the age of constant interviews and viral clips. Audiences often demand authenticity, but when that authenticity becomes uncomfortable or deeply personal, reactions can quickly turn critical.
Whether the comment was refreshing honesty or unnecessary disclosure depends on perspective. What is certain is that moments like this show how complicated public conversations about love, relationships, and parenthood can become when they unfold under a global spotlight.