Abel Tesfaye's Love Life: Exploring The Weeknd's Relationships

Anibal Toy 21 Jun 2025

The enigmatic persona of The Weeknd, the globally acclaimed musical artist known as Abel Tesfaye, extends far beyond his haunting melodies and chart-topping hits. Fans and media alike are perpetually fascinated by his private life, particularly the question: who is Abel Tesfaye girlfriend? While his music often delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and fleeting encounters, his real-life romantic entanglements have frequently made headlines, offering glimpses into the man behind the superstar. This article aims to provide a comprehensive, well-researched look into the significant relationships that have shaped Abel Tesfaye's public romantic journey, distinguishing between confirmed partnerships and the inevitable swirl of rumors.

Navigating the complex world of celebrity relationships can be challenging, especially when dealing with an artist as intensely private as Abel Tesfaye. Despite his global fame, he maintains a guarded stance on his personal life, allowing only glimpses into his romantic world. Yet, these glimpses have been enough to spark widespread interest, making his relationships a constant topic of discussion among his vast fanbase and the entertainment media. We will delve into the timeline of his most notable romantic connections, exploring the dynamics, public perception, and what these relationships might reveal about the artist himself.

Abel Tesfaye: A Brief Biography
Personal Data and Biodata
The Weeknd and His Public Relationships: An Overview
The On-Again, Off-Again Saga: Bella Hadid
- The First Chapter: 2015-2016
- The Reunion: 2018-2019
The High-Profile Romance: Selena Gomez
- A Brief but Intense Affair: 2017
Current Speculations and Rumors: Who is Abel Tesfaye Girlfriend Now?
- Simi Khadra: The Latest Connection?
The Impact of Fame on Abel Tesfaye's Relationships
Conclusion: The Man Behind the Music

Abel Tesfaye: A Brief Biography

Before diving into his romantic life, it's essential to understand the journey of Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, the man who became The Weeknd. Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Ethiopian immigrant parents, Tesfaye's early life was marked by a challenging upbringing. He dropped out of high school and, at one point, was homeless, leading to the "The Weeknd" moniker, which he adopted after leaving home one weekend and never returning. His musical journey began in 2010 when he anonymously uploaded several songs to YouTube under the name "The Weeknd." These tracks quickly gained traction, attracting the attention of fellow Canadian artist Drake, who helped boost his early career. Tesfaye's unique blend of R&B, pop, and alternative sounds, coupled with his melancholic lyrics and distinctive falsetto, set him apart. His debut mixtape, "House of Balloons" (2011), received critical acclaim, paving the way for a major label deal. Since then, The Weeknd has ascended to global superstardom, releasing multiple platinum albums like "Beauty Behind the Madness" (2015), "Starboy" (2016), and "After Hours" (2020), which spawned megahits like "Blinding Lights" and "Save Your Tears." He has won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards, and has been nominated for an Academy Award. His artistry is characterized by dark, introspective themes, often exploring hedonism, loneliness, and love, which naturally makes fans curious about the real-life inspirations behind his deeply personal music, especially when it comes to who Abel Tesfaye girlfriend might be.

Personal Data and Biodata

Here's a quick overview of Abel Tesfaye's key personal and professional details:

Full Name	Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
Stage Name	The Weeknd
Date of Birth	February 16, 1990
Age	34 (as of 2024)
Birthplace	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Nationality	Canadian
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor
Genre(s)	R&B, Pop, Alternative R&B, Synth-pop
Years Active	2009–present
Notable Albums	Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy, After Hours, Dawn FM
Relationship Status	Private (often rumored to be dating, but rarely confirmed)

The Weeknd and His Public Relationships: An Overview

Abel Tesfaye's public relationships have been a recurring theme in entertainment news, often intertwined with the narrative of his music. Unlike some celebrities who openly share their romantic lives, Tesfaye tends to keep his relationships under wraps until they become undeniable through paparazzi photos or public appearances. This creates an air of mystery, fueling public curiosity about who Abel Tesfaye girlfriend is at any given time. His romantic history is primarily defined by two high-profile relationships and a recent rumored connection, each drawing significant media attention. These relationships have, in turn, often been speculated to inspire some of his most poignant and popular songs, adding another layer to his artistic mystique.

The On-Again, Off-Again Saga: Bella Hadid

Perhaps the most significant and enduring public relationship in Abel Tesfaye's life has been with supermodel Bella Hadid. Their romance was a quintessential celebrity love story, marked by passionate highs, public appearances, and heartbreaking separations. Their relationship spanned several years, characterized by its on-again, off-again nature, which kept fans and media perpetually guessing about their status.

The First Chapter: 2015-2016

Abel Tesfaye and Bella Hadid first sparked dating rumors in April 2015 when they were seen together at Coachella. Their relationship quickly blossomed, becoming one of Hollywood's most talked-about pairings. They made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2016 Grammy Awards, where The Weeknd won two awards. Hadid even appeared in the music video for his song "In the Night," further solidifying their public connection. Their relationship seemed to be going strong, with both often seen supporting each other's careers. However, by November 2016, reports surfaced that the couple had broken up due to conflicting schedules and the demands of their respective careers. Sources close to the couple cited the difficulty of maintaining a relationship with such demanding travel and work commitments. This initial split left many fans disappointed, but it wouldn't be the end of their story.

The Reunion: 2018-2019

After a period apart, during which Abel Tesfaye was linked to another high-profile celebrity, he and Bella Hadid began to be seen together again in early 2018. Their rekindled romance was confirmed when they were spotted kissing at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2018. They quickly resumed their status as a power couple, attending events together and sharing glimpses of their life on social media. This period saw them more open about their affection, with Hadid often posting photos with Tesfaye on her Instagram. Their reunion was met with enthusiasm by fans who had rooted for them. They appeared deeply in love, enjoying lavish vacations and supporting each other's professional endeavors. However, despite the apparent happiness, the pressures of their demanding careers once again took their toll. By August 2019, reports confirmed that they had split for a second time. Sources again cited distance and conflicting schedules as the primary reasons, suggesting that while they still loved each other, their lifestyles made a long-term commitment challenging. This second breakup seemed more definitive, and while they have remained cordial, there have been no public indications of a third reconciliation. Their relationship remains a significant chapter when discussing who Abel Tesfaye girlfriend has been.

The High-Profile Romance: Selena Gomez

Following his initial split from Bella Hadid, Abel Tesfaye embarked on another highly publicized relationship with pop superstar Selena Gomez. This pairing took many by surprise, as it seemed to come out of nowhere and involved two of the biggest names in music.

A Brief but Intense Affair: 2017

The romance between Abel Tesfaye and Selena Gomez began to make headlines in January 2017 when they were photographed kissing outside a restaurant in Santa Monica. The relationship quickly escalated, with the couple traveling the world together, making appearances at high-profile events like the Met Gala, and openly displaying affection on social media. This was a marked departure from Tesfaye's usual privacy, suggesting a deep connection. Their relationship, though relatively short-lived, was intense and drew immense media scrutiny. Gomez even accompanied Tesfaye on parts of his "Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour." However, by October 2017, after approximately 10 months of dating, news broke that they had parted ways. Reports indicated that the split was amicable, again citing the difficulties of maintaining a relationship amidst their demanding schedules and long-distance challenges. This breakup was quickly followed by Gomez being seen with her ex, Justin Bieber, adding another layer of public drama to the situation. While brief, this relationship was undeniably a significant chapter in the public life of Abel Tesfaye, leaving many wondering about its impact on his creative output.

Current Speculations and Rumors: Who is Abel Tesfaye Girlfriend Now?

Abel Tesfaye's private nature means that his current relationship status is often shrouded in mystery, leading to a constant stream of rumors and speculation. While he hasn't publicly confirmed a new relationship since his split from Bella Hadid, recent sightings and reports have pointed towards a potential new romantic interest. The question of "who is Abel Tesfaye girlfriend now?" remains a hot topic among his followers.

Simi Khadra: The Latest Connection?

In early 2022, rumors began to circulate that Abel Tesfaye was dating Simi Khadra, one half of the DJ duo Simi & Haze and a close friend of Bella Hadid. The speculation intensified when they were spotted together on multiple occasions, including a dinner date in Los Angeles and, most notably, kissing at his 32nd birthday party in Las Vegas. These public displays of affection, while not an official confirmation from Tesfaye himself, were widely interpreted by media outlets like E! News and People as a strong indication of a romantic relationship. Simi Khadra and her twin sister Haze are well-known figures in the fashion and music scenes, often seen at high-profile events. Their connection to Tesfaye reportedly goes back several years, with the twins having been part of his inner circle. The relationship with Khadra, if confirmed, would mark a new chapter in Tesfaye's romantic life, moving past the highly publicized dynamics of his previous relationships. As of the latest public sightings and reports, Simi Khadra appears to be the most consistently linked person to Abel Tesfaye, though neither has publicly addressed their status. This ongoing speculation continues to fuel interest in who Abel Tesfaye girlfriend is. Beyond Simi Khadra, there have been various other fleeting rumors linking Tesfaye to other celebrities, including Angelina Jolie, after they were photographed dining together. However, these connections were largely dismissed as friendly outings or business meetings by sources close to them, without any further substantial evidence of a romantic involvement. Tesfaye's general approach to his private life means that unless he chooses to make a relationship public, or it becomes undeniably obvious through consistent public appearances, the true nature of his romantic connections will remain a subject of conjecture.

The Impact of Fame on Abel Tesfaye's Relationships

The constant spotlight that comes with being a global superstar like Abel Tesfaye undoubtedly exerts immense pressure on any relationship. The scrutiny from fans, paparazzi, and media outlets can be overwhelming, turning private moments into public spectacles. Both Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez are also highly famous individuals, meaning their relationships with Tesfaye were subject to double the public interest. The demands of their careers, which involve extensive travel, grueling schedules, and constant public appearances, are frequently cited as reasons for celebrity breakups. It's a challenge to maintain a healthy, stable relationship when both partners are constantly on the move, living under intense pressure, and having every interaction analyzed. For Abel Tesfaye, whose music often draws from his personal experiences, these relationships likely provide rich material for his art, but at a personal cost. The line between his public persona and private life blurs, making it difficult to foster a relationship away from the prying eyes of the world. This inherent challenge is a recurring theme in discussions about his romantic life and why the question of who Abel Tesfaye girlfriend is often accompanied by an understanding of the difficulties involved. Moreover, the narratives spun by the media and fans can add undue pressure. Breakups are often analyzed for "who was at fault," and reconciliations are met with either excitement or skepticism. This external pressure can strain even the strongest bonds, making privacy a precious commodity that is almost impossible for a star of The Weeknd's magnitude to maintain. His guarded nature is likely a direct response to this constant invasion of privacy, making it even harder to definitively answer the question of who Abel Tesfaye girlfriend is at any given moment.

Conclusion: The Man Behind the Music

Abel Tesfaye's journey from a mysterious online artist to a global music icon has been nothing short of extraordinary. While his musical prowess and artistic evolution are undeniable, the public's fascination with his personal life, particularly his romantic entanglements, remains a constant. We've explored the significant chapters of his love life, from the on-again, off-again saga with Bella Hadid to the high-profile, albeit brief, romance with Selena Gomez, and the current speculations surrounding Simi Khadra. Each relationship offers a glimpse into the challenges of maintaining privacy and normalcy under the intense glare of celebrity. The question of "who is Abel Tesfaye girlfriend?" is more than just celebrity gossip; it's a reflection of the human desire to connect with the artists we admire, to understand the inspirations behind their deeply personal works. While Abel Tesfaye continues to guard his private life fiercely, the public moments he has shared reveal a man navigating love and heartbreak under extraordinary circumstances. His music, often a raw and honest reflection of his experiences, continues to resonate with millions, proving that whether he's in a relationship or not, his artistry stands strong. What are your thoughts on Abel Tesfaye's relationships and how they might influence his music? Share your insights in the comments below! If you found this deep dive into Abel Tesfaye's love life insightful, consider sharing it with fellow fans or exploring other articles on our site about your favorite artists.

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