Introduction: What to Know About The Weeknd’s Exes
The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, has kept romantic details private but has shared enough publicly for a clear picture of past relationships. This relationship explainer focuses on verified timelines, named exes, and context around their breakups. We avoid speculation and rumors, using credible media reports and statements where possible. You will find a concise profile of each relationship, timelines, and how these connections fit into his artistic and personal narrative.
Why This Topic Matters and What to Expect
Understanding The Weeknd’s relationships adds context to his music and public persona, revealing influences behind themes of love, loss, and fame. For journalists, fans, and researchers, a fact-checked overview helps separate narrative from evidence. This piece is structured to answer who, what, when, and how, without sensationalism. Expect a clear timeline, named relationships, and source types indicated for verification.
Confirmed Relationships and Notable Exes
While The Weeknd has rarely detailed private life, several relationships have surfaced through credible reporting. The following table summarizes key named relationships with approximate periods and source confidence.
| Name / Identifier | Relationship Period | Status as of 2024 | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selena Gomez | March 2017 – October 2017 (approx.) | Single, not romantically linked since | Reporters’ statements, social media interactions |
| Bella Hadid | August 2015 – August 2016 (approx.) | Single | Entertainment news, magazine reports |
| Kylie Jenner | April 21, 2016 – February 2017 (approx.) | Single; co-parent to daughter | News outlets, public sightings |
| Abigail Anderson (reported) | 2023 (unconfirmed reports) | Private; limited public confirmation | Leaked sources, unverified claims |
Selena Gomez
The Weeknd and Selena Gomez briefly dated in 2017 after mutual interactions and public sightings. The relationship appears to have ended by mid-2017, with both parties later indicating they were not in contact. No joint statements or lengthy confirmations were issued, keeping this a low-detail but notable entry in his romantic history.
Bella Hadid
In 2015, news surfaced linking The Weeknd to model Bella Hadid. They were seen together, and several outlets reported an on-again, off-again dynamic through 2015–2016. By mid-2016, reports indicated separation. Both have maintained privacy about post-split interactions.
Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner
The Weeknd’s relationship with Kylie Jenner began in April 2016 and was widely covered by tabloids. The pairing was visible through social media and events until early 2017. They share a child, and reports suggest a friendly co-parenting relationship. Since the romantic relationship ended, both have focused on family and respective careers.
Other Named Mentions and Limited Reports
Occasional unverified names surface in gossip columns, but none have been substantiated by multiple credible outlets. Entries like “Abigail Anderson” appear in leaked or speculative sources with low verification. This list excludes unnamed sources or rumors lacking corroboration to maintain factual reliability.
Artistic Influence and Narrative Themes
The Weeknd’s music often explores love, betrayal, and fame, which fans sometimes connect to his relationships. Albums such as After Hours and Beauty Behind the Madness feature themes that listeners relate to his public romantic timeline. While these connections are interpretive, they demonstrate how personal experiences can shape artistic output without explicit confirmation from the artist.
Privacy, Speculation, and Public Reporting
Because The Weeknd guards his private life, many claims originate from limited observations or anonymous tips. Responsible reporting distinguishes between verified events (public sightings, mutual follows, child-related announcements) and speculation. Readers should prioritize sources with clear attribution and avoid treating rumors as established fact.
Timeline Summary for Quick Reference
A concise timeline helps anchor reported events without overstating certainty.
| Period | Reported Event | Confidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| 2015–2016 | Reported relationship with Bella Hadid | Medium (entertainment news) |
| April 2016 – February 2017 | Reported relationship with Kylie Jenner | Medium-high (multiple outlets) |
| March–October 207 | Reported relationship with Selena Gomez | Low-medium (brief, limited confirmation) |
| 2023 | Unverified reports linking him to Abigail Anderson | Low (unconfirmed) |
Quick Comparison: How These Relationships Differ
- Bella Hadid: Longest public run, spanning about a year with media coverage of reunions.
- Kylie Jenner: High-profile, coincided with rise in The Weeknd’s mainstream fame, shared a child.
- Selena Gomez: Short, brief overlap in 2017, minimal joint communication afterward.
- Unverified 2023 reports: Lacking multiple sourcing and public confirmation.
Context and Common Questions
Readers often ask how these relationships compare or whether they influenced specific albums. The short answer is that while influence is plausible, there is no publicly verified evidence linking a specific ex directly to a particular song. What is verifiable are the timelines above and the fact that The Weeknd has maintained privacy about current romantic life.
Conclusion: Staying Fact-First
As of 2024, The Weeknd’s confirmed exes in the public record are Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner, and Selena Gomez, each with approximate windows and varying levels of media confirmation. Other names appear in speculation but lack multiple credible sourcing. By focusing on what is documented rather than anecdotal chatter, this explainer offers a durable reference that remains useful as reporting standards and public disclosures evolve.