Singer and former competitive swimmer Cody Simpson has broken his silence regarding his recent split from Olympic gold medalist Emma McKeon, weeks after their surprising separation was revealed. The 29-year-old musician appeared on the latest episode of the We Need To Talk with Paul C Brunson podcast, where he candidly reflected on his four-year romance with the swimming icon, describing it as something that felt "inevitable."
Meeting at the Pool and Building a Connection
Cody Simpson explained that he first encountered Emma McKeon when he relocated from Los Angeles back to Australia in 2021 to resume his competitive swimming career. "She was in the training group that I joined when we went back, so we met at the pool, training under the same coach," Cody detailed. He added that the pair quickly developed a strong friendship, bonding over their shared experiences and rigorous training schedules in the aquatic environment.
Thoughtful Consideration Before Romance
However, Cody admitted that he carefully deliberated before taking their relationship to the next level. "You have to put a lot of thought into whether that's a bridge you want to cross with somebody that you know you're going to be spending the next four years with every day," he stated. "That environment is so intense, adding a romantic layer to it is something that you really have to think about."
Reflecting on a "Beautiful" Four Years Together
While Cody Simpson did not provide specific reasons for the breakup, he spoke fondly of the time they shared. "I think after a certain amount of time it [the relationship] was inevitable and something that ended up being a really beautiful thing for us to do together – moving in together and living that lifestyle together," he reflected. "It's a lifestyle that's hard to understand. I feel it would be different to be with someone who isn't doing it while you're doing it."
He emphasized that despite the relationship ending, he looks back on it with affection. "Having Emma in my life to support me through my goals and vice versa – we were able to be that for each other and lift each other up. She is a special person," Cody expressed warmly.
Previous High-Profile Relationships and Sneaky Tactics
Elsewhere in the podcast conversation, Cody Simpson also reminisced about his past relationships with celebrities including Kylie Jenner, Miley Cyrus, and Gigi Hadid. He shared an amusing anecdote about how he initiated his relationship with model Gigi Hadid, whom he dated for approximately two years. After a chance meeting at a mall, Cody obtained her phone number from a friend and decided to cold-call her.
"I cold called her and said: 'Hey, it's Cody, I'm a musician. I'm doing a music video and was calling to ask if you wanted to be in it.' There was no music video," he confessed with a laugh. "I pitched her this whole concept that didn't exist. I started texting her: 'I don't think the video is happening any more but do you want to go out for food?' She was my first love – we were together on and off for about two years."
Confirmation of Split and Moving Forward
The news of Cody Simpson and Emma McKeon's breakup was initially confirmed late last month by Cody's sister, Alli, during an appearance on The Morning Show. Alli stated that her brother and the Olympic athlete had "moved on" from one another, adding, "She is like sunshine in human form, so I'm just so happy they can move forward." The couple, who began dating in April 2022, had sparked breakup speculation as they appeared to be leading increasingly separate lives in recent months.
Meanwhile, Cody Simpson appears to have moved on romantically, having been spotted strolling arm-in-arm with American influencer Adelia Clark, 32, outside a café in Los Angeles recently. The pair looked very comfortable in each other's company, with Cody wrapping his arm around the brunette's shoulders and pulling her close as they walked together.
