Abel Tesfaye, known globally as The Weeknd, keeps his personal life closely guarded, but his relationships frequently command international attention. Right now, public curiosity centers around his connection with DJ and beauty entrepreneur Simi Khadra. While the superstar musician often channels his romantic turbulence directly into his multi-platinum discography, his off-stage partnerships involve high-profile musicians, models, and industry creatives.
Understanding who The Weeknd is dating requires looking beyond fleeting tabloid rumors and examining a documented history of high-profile romances that have shaped both his public persona and his creative output over the past decade.
Who Is The Weeknd Dating Right Now?
The Weeknd has been linked to Simi Khadra—one half of the famous DJ duo Simi & Haze and founder of Simihaze Beauty—since early 2022. Although the couple initially kept details quiet, they have been spotted together at numerous high-profile events, birthday celebrations, and public outings.
Unlike some of his past relationships that played out entirely in the center ring of paparazzi media, his bond with Khadra maintains a slightly lower profile, though public sightings continue to capture media interest. Khadra, who grew up between London, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia before settling in Los Angeles, shares deep ties within the entertainment and fashion circles that Tesfaye frequently navigates.
A Timeline of The Weeknd's High-Profile Relationships
Abel Tesfaye’s dating history reads like a roster of modern pop culture royalty. Each major relationship coincided with distinct eras of his musical evolution, leading fans to analyze his lyrics for hidden autobiographical clues.
Bella Hadid (2015 to 2019)
The longest and most culturally significant relationship of Tesfaye's career was with supermodel Bella Hadid. The pair began dating in early 2015 after he asked her to feature artwork for his album Beauty Behind the Madness. Their relationship involved a few high-profile breakups and reconciliations, most notably an initial split in late 2016—around the time he performed at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show while she walked the runway—followed by a reunion in 2018. They split amicably for the final time in 2019 due to conflicting schedules. Music critics widely attribute much of his melancholy, critically acclaimed Melancholy project to the emotional fallout of this connection.
Selena Gomez (2016 to 2017)
Shortly after his initial split from Hadid, Tesfaye began a high-profile romance with pop star Selena Gomez in January 2017. The couple made their official red-carpet debut at the Met Gala that May, becoming one of the most photographed pairs of the year. The romance lasted roughly ten months before they called it quits in October 2017, citing personal adjustments and touring commitments. Gomez later noted that they remained amicable, though the brief romance left a distinct mark on pop culture commentary.
Short-Term Romances and Rumored Links
Between major relationships, Tesfaye has been connected to several high-profile figures in the entertainment industry:
- Angelina Jolie: Rumors sparked in 2021 when Tesfaye and Jolie were spotted dining together at a celebrity restaurant in Los Angeles on multiple occasions, though neither confirmed a romantic status.
- Julia Fox: Following a brief spark in early 2022, actress Julia Fox wrote a public essay detailing her short-lived dating window with the musician, describing him as a gentleman before she moved on.
How Past Relationships Influence His Music
Few artists blur the lines between personal life and art quite like The Weeknd. From his breakout mixtapes like House of Balloons to stadium-filling anthems, his lyrics frequently pull from the wreckage of past heartbreaks, late-night LA lifestyle fatigue, and romantic disillusionment.
Listeners often scan new tracklists to decode references to past partners. However, Tesfaye has frequently clarified in interviews with publications like Rolling Stone that his public persona is an exaggerated theatrical canvas rather than a literal diary. Even so, the emotional rawness embedded in albums like After Hours and Dawn FM reflects the heavy toll that public scrutiny takes on modern celebrity relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are The Weeknd and Simi Khadra still together?
Yes, the pair have continued to make public appearances together, maintaining a steady relationship since they were first linked.
Did The Weeknd write songs about Bella Hadid?
While Tesfaye rarely names ex-partners directly in interviews, music journalists and fans widely associate tracks like "Call Out My Name" and parts of the Starboy album with his history alongside Hadid.
Has The Weeknd ever been married?
No, The Weeknd has never been married, though he has engaged in several long-term, high-profile public relationships.
Where does The Weeknd live?
Tesfaye primarily resides in the Los Angeles area, splitting his time between recording studios, tour preparations, and creative endeavors in fashion and film.