Zayn Malik's Lavish £500 Tooth Fairy Gift for Daughter Khai
Former One Direction singer Zayn Malik has sparked conversation after revealing he gifted his five-year-old daughter Khai a staggering £500 following the loss of her first tooth. The 33-year-old artist shared this rare insight into his parenting approach during a candid appearance on the Call Me Daddy podcast, where he explained his tendency to overcompensate financially for his child.
Podcast Revelation Leaves Host Speechless
During the interview, Malik left host Alex Cooper visibly stunned as he disclosed the extravagant sum he presented as the tooth fairy. "I think I gave her a bit too much money from the tooth fairy - £500," Malik admitted. "It's her first tooth and her mum gave me s*** about it but at the end of the day I work my a*** off and I should be able to give my kid what I want to give her."
Cooper responded with audible surprise, exclaiming: "Hold on, I may have to agree with her mum on this. £500 for one tooth! That's so crazy, but also everyone is going to be so jealous right now." The singer defended his actions by emphasizing his unique circumstances as a celebrity parent, noting that his daughter's reality differs from most children's experiences.
Defending Celebrity Parenting Choices
Malik elaborated on his perspective, stating: "I'm raising her in an environment that isn't the same as everybody's, her dad is a pop star and her mum is a model and certain things that she does in life might not reflect what other people's understanding of reality is." He acknowledged his tendency to overcompensate, explaining: "There's definitely a feeling of 'I didn't get to do this so I want you to be able to feel this'. I over compensate a little bit too much for that."
The singer welcomed daughter Khai in 2020 with former partner Gigi Hadid, though their romantic relationship ended the following year. Despite their separation, both parents have emphasized their commitment to cooperative co-parenting arrangements.
Co-Parenting Dynamics with Gigi Hadid
In a previous interview with Vogue, Hadid offered rare comments about their parenting partnership, revealing: "Zayn and I do our custody schedules months in advance. That doesn't mean that it doesn't change here and there, but we help each other out and have each other's backs." She described their current relationship as entering a phase with "love, and a feeling of camaraderie" focused on raising their daughter together.
The couple's six-year romance concluded after Malik became involved in an altercation with Hadid's mother Yolanda in 2021, resulting in legal consequences including probation and mandated counseling programs. Hadid has since moved forward romantically, developing a relationship with actor Bradley Cooper that began in late 2023.
Khai's Aspirations and Parental Support
During the podcast conversation, Malik also shared insights into his daughter's emerging interests and ambitions. "She definitely wants to be a K-pop star, she's big into K-pop," he revealed. While expressing some protective concerns about the entertainment industry's challenges, Malik affirmed: "I'd like to keep her away from it but at the end of the day if she's happy, I'll support her."
The singer emphasized his fundamental parenting philosophy, stating: "Honestly I just hope that she gets to do in life what she wishes to do and she's happy." This sentiment reflects his broader approach to fatherhood, balancing lavish gestures with genuine concern for his daughter's wellbeing and future aspirations.
