Abel Tesfaye, known globally as The Weeknd, maintains a surprisingly focused romantic footprint despite spending over a decade in the center of pop culture. Unlike artists with endless cycles of flings, his public history is defined by a few long-term partnerships that frequently spilled over into his multi-platinum discography.
Understanding The Weeknd dating history requires looking past tabloid noise to examine how his high-profile relationships with Bella Hadid, Selena Gomez, and Simi Khadra unfolded. Each era shaped his public persona and fueled speculation across the music industry.
The Bella Hadid Era: On-and-Off Romance (2015–2019)
The defining romance of Abel's early mainstream career was with supermodel Bella Hadid. Their connection began in early 2015 when he asked her to feature artwork for his breakout album Beauty Behind the Madness, leading to an appearance together at Coachella.
The First Chapter and Split
For over a year, the couple walked red carpets together, including the 2016 Grammy Awards. By late 2016, busy touring schedules and career demands created friction. They split up amicably, though temporary distance did not last long in the public eye. Additional analysis by Bloomberg highlights related views on the subject.
The Reconciliation
In late 2017, following his high-profile breakup with Selena Gomez, Abel and Bella gravitated back toward each other. They kept things relatively low-profile initially before confirming their reunion on social media and at fashion events. Friends noted they were deeply compatible, but the pressures of intense public scrutiny caught up with them again. By August 2019, the pair parted ways for good, citing conflicting lifestyle paths as their careers scaled to new international heights. Music critics widely link tracks on albums like Starboy and After Hours to the emotional fallout of this relationship.
The Whirlwind Romance With Selena Gomez (2017)
In January 2017, Abel sparked global headlines when he was photographed kissing Selena Gomez outside a restaurant in Santa Monica. The unexpected pairing quickly became one of pop music's most-watched items.
- Public Debut: They made their red-carpet debut as a couple at the Met Gala in May 2017, posing affectionately for photographers.
- Cohabitation: During peak months of their relationship, they rented an apartment together in New York City while Gomez underwent medical recovery.
- The Breakup: By October 2017, the relationship concluded after roughly ten months. Demanding travel schedules and geographic separation played major roles in the split.
The emotional aftermath yielded rapid artistic output. Abel channeled the breakup into his critically acclaimed 2018 EP, My Dear Melancholy, featuring raw lyrics that fans and publications dissected line by line. You can read more about pop culture milestones through Billboard.
Transition to Private Life and Simi Khadra (2022–Present)
Following years of intense media scrutiny over his love life, Abel shifted toward privacy. Rumors surfaced connecting him to various public figures, including brief links to model Yovanna Ventura. However, his romantic trajectory shifted toward long-term stability with DJ and designer Simi Khadra.
Building a Private Dynamic
First linked in early 2022 when spotted at his birthday celebration in Las Vegas, Abel and Simi took a deliberate approach to keep their relationship out of the relentless tabloid spotlight. Unlike his past partnerships, they rarely pose for official red-carpet layouts, choosing instead to focus on shared creative circles and close friends. Outlets like [Rolling Stone](https://www.rolling stone.com) often track how major musicians adapt their public personas to protect personal boundaries.
Common Misconceptions About The Weeknd's Dating Life
Audiences frequently misinterpret celebrity timelines due to overlapping rumors and internet lore.
- Every Song is Autobiographical: While Abel draws from real life, media outlets frequently attribute every heartbreak anthem to a specific ex, a notion he has repeatedly downplayed in interviews.
- Overlapping Timelines: Tabloids occasionally suggest overlap where none exists; transitions between major relationships typically involved months of single life or amicable closures behind closed doors.
- Permanent Feuds: Despite high-profile splits, most of Abel's past partners have expressed mutual respect in interviews rather than ongoing hostility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Weeknd's most famous ex-girlfriend?
Selena Gomez and Bella Hadid are equally recognized as his most prominent high-profile partners, each representing a distinct era of his career and musical output.
Did The Weeknd write an album about Selena Gomez?
His 2018 EP My Dear Melancholy is widely understood by fans and critics to reflect his breakup with Gomez, featuring melancholic production and direct lyrical allusions.
Is The Weeknd currently married?
No, Abel Tesfaye has never been married, though he has maintained several long-term relationships throughout his career.
Why are his recent relationships more private?
After experiencing intense media scrutiny during his relationships with Hadid and Gomez, Abel shifted toward keeping his personal life out of mainstream headlines.
