In a candid new podcast interview, former One Direction member Zayn Malik has revealed a parenting moment that drew criticism from his ex-partner, supermodel Gigi Hadid. The singer admitted to giving their five-year-old daughter, Khai, a staggering $500 from the tooth fairy after she lost her first tooth, a gesture that Hadid reportedly called him out on.
Malik's Emotional Justification for the Lavish Gift
Appearing on the Call Her Daddy podcast with host Alex Cooper, Malik, 33, opened up about his motivations behind the extravagant sum. He expressed deep gratitude for being able to provide financially for his daughter, contrasting it with his own upbringing marked by financial instability.
"I think I gave her a bit too much money from the tooth fairy," Malik confessed, acknowledging the excess. When Cooper reacted with disbelief, he defended his decision passionately, stating, "It's her first tooth. And her mom gave me s*** about it. And I was like, at the end of the day, like, I work my ass off. And like, I should be able to give my kid what I want to give her, you know?"
Reflections on a Privileged Upbringing
Malik, who was raised in a working-class family in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has previously spoken about facing food insecurity and stigma during his childhood. He emphasized that being able to offer his daughter a life free from such stresses "is everything" to him.
He also acknowledged the unique circumstances of Khai's upbringing, noting, "Even to the degree that, like, you know, I'm raising her in an environment that, you know, isn't the same as everybody's. Her dad is a pop star. Her mom is a model. And certain things that she does in life might not, you know, always reflect what other people's understanding of reality is."
Insights into His Relationship with Gigi Hadid
Elsewhere in the interview, Malik offered rare insights into his past relationship with Hadid, 30. The couple dated from late 2015 to 2021 and share daughter Khai, born in September 2020. Malik revealed that he never felt he was in love with Hadid during their time together.
"I will always love G because she is the reason my child is on this earth, and I have the utmost respect for her," he clarified. "But I don't think I was in love with her at that point, otherwise I would have been a better version of myself."
Background on Their Relationship and Split
Malik and Hadid first sparked dating rumors in November 2015 and confirmed their relationship in January 2016 after Hadid appeared in his "Pillowtalk" music video. They dated on and off for several years before welcoming Khai and officially splitting in October 2021.
The breakup followed allegations that Malik assaulted Hadid's mother, Yolanda, which he vehemently denied at the time, saying, "For the sake of my daughter I decline to give any further details and I hope that Yolanda will reconsider her false allegations and move towards healing these family issues in private."
Malik's Recent Career Moves
After the split, Malik retreated from the public eye, reemerging in 2024 with the release of his fourth solo studio album, Room Under the Stairs. Just last week, he announced his forthcoming album, KONNAKOL, signaling a continued focus on his music career amidst his personal revelations.
This interview sheds light on the complexities of co-parenting in the spotlight, blending heartfelt parental intentions with the realities of celebrity life and past relationships.
