Abel Tesfaye, globally known as The Weeknd, has captivated audiences not only with his distinct musical artistry but also with his high-profile romantic relationships. His love life has frequently been a subject of public fascination, marked by passionate connections, on-again-off-again dynamics, and significant media attention. Throughout his rise to superstardom, Tesfaye has navigated the complexities of dating in the public eye, with his romantic journey often intertwining with his artistic expressions.
One of Abel Tesfaye's most enduring and publicly scrutinized relationships was with supermodel Bella Hadid. Their romance reportedly began in April 2015, after Tesfaye initially asked Hadid to appear on the cover of his album, Beauty Behind the Madness, an offer she declined. Despite her refusal, the two connected and were soon spotted together at Coachella, sparking initial dating rumors.
Their relationship quickly became a staple in celebrity news, with the couple making their red carpet debut at the 2016 Grammy Awards, where Tesfaye took home two trophies. They further cemented their status as a power couple by attending the 2016 Met Gala in matching Givenchy ensembles, showcasing their coordinated style. Bella Hadid often spoke fondly of their connection, emphasizing her affection for Abel, the person, over his musical persona, stating, "I’m proud of The Weeknd and the music he makes, but I really love Abel."
Despite their seemingly strong bond, Tesfaye and Hadid decided to go their separate ways in November 2016. Reports indicated that their demanding and conflicting schedules were the primary reason for the initial split, making it challenging for them to maintain their relationship. However, their professional paths soon crossed again when Hadid walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show where Tesfaye was performing, leading to a much-discussed, seemingly amicable on-stage reunion.
Following his split from Bella Hadid, Abel Tesfaye entered into another high-profile relationship with singer and actress Selena Gomez. The pair were first romantically linked in January 2017, when they were photographed kissing in Santa Monica. Their romance quickly gained traction, becoming a prominent fixture in entertainment headlines.
Tesfaye and Gomez made their official red carpet debut as a couple at the 2017 Met Gala, where they posed together for photographers. Throughout their relationship, they were often seen traveling the world and sharing glimpses of their life together on social media, embracing their public status. Gomez also publicly acknowledged Tesfaye's support during her challenging health period, including her kidney transplant.
The relationship between Tesfaye and Gomez lasted for approximately nine months, concluding in October 2017. Sources close to the couple cited their increasingly conflicting schedules and the challenges of a long-distance relationship as key factors in their decision to part ways. Despite the breakup, Gomez later stated that a "true friendship" remained between them, highlighting an amicable separation.
Shortly after his breakup with Selena Gomez, Abel Tesfaye rekindled his romance with Bella Hadid. The former couple were spotted together again in May 2018, notably kissing at the Cannes Film Festival, signaling their reconciliation. Their reunion was met with excitement from fans who had followed their initial love story.
Their renewed relationship saw them attending events together, including Coachella, and reports suggested they even leased a penthouse together, indicating a serious commitment. However, despite their efforts to make it work, Tesfaye and Hadid ultimately decided to end their relationship for a second time in August 2019. Again, conflicting schedules and being in "different places right now, physically and mentally" were cited as the reasons for their final split, with Hadid focusing on fashion commitments and Tesfaye on his music and acting debut.
In the period following his second breakup with Bella Hadid, Abel Tesfaye was briefly linked to other personalities, though these connections were less publicly confirmed or short-lived. Model Yovanna Ventura was reportedly seen with him in late 2017, and there were also rumors connecting him to Spanish singer Rosalía. However, these were largely unconfirmed and did not develop into long-term public relationships.
More recently, Tesfaye sparked significant dating speculation with Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie. The two were first spotted having dinner together in Santa Monica in July 2021, leading to widespread rumors of a budding romance. They were seen on multiple occasions, though neither party officially confirmed a relationship. Tesfaye further fueled these rumors with lyrics in his January 2022 song "Here We Go... Again" from the album Dawn FM, where he sang, "My new girl, she’s a movie star," which many fans interpreted as a reference to Jolie.
As of more recent reports, Abel Tesfaye has been linked to DJ and socialite Simi Khadra. The two were first photographed kissing in February 2022, confirming their romantic connection. They have since been seen together at various public events and parties, including a notable appearance at Coachella in April 2023, where they wore matching outfits. Their relationship appears to be more private compared to his past high-profile romances, with fewer public statements or social media displays.
Abel Tesfaye's romantic history reflects a journey marked by intense connections and the challenges of maintaining relationships under intense public scrutiny. From his on-again, off-again dynamic with Bella Hadid to his high-profile romance with Selena Gomez, and more recent, private connections, his love life has consistently drawn interest. While his music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and longing, Tesfaye has largely maintained a dignified approach to his public relationships, focusing on confirmed connections rather than engaging in unverified speculation. His romantic evolution continues to be a compelling aspect of his public persona, demonstrating the complexities of balancing personal life with global fame.