Fans were in for a rare treat when Zayn Malik recently opened up about fatherhood and co-parenting his 2-year-old daughter, Khai with ex Gigi Hadid, in an interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast.
The notoriously private “Pillowtalk” singer shared sweet and loving words about his child last week, and many fans commended him for his candor after the interview with Alex Cooper went viral.
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Zayn Malik Sits Down For First Interview In 6 Years And Candid Conversation About Fatherhood
Malik discussed his struggle with anxiety, leaving One Direction, love for his pets and his new music during his podcast appearance. He also notably detailed how he believed fatherhood “saved him” and “brought color” back into his life.
“Since I’ve had my daughter, the main thing in my mind is trying to be a good example to her,” he said. “That’s why I’m even doing this interview, you know? I used to get a lot of anxiety around having a conversation like this. And I want her to be able to look at me and be like, ‘Yo, my dad’s doing this.'”
Malik, who is currently teasing his new song "Love Like This" (out July 21, 2023), talked about sharing custody of Khai (born September 19, 2020) with Hadid.
The 30-year-old "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" hitmaker and 28-year-old supermodel began dating in late 2015 and split in October 2021.
On raising his daughter with Hadid, Malik said: "Co-parenting is good. We have a really good relationship for Khai. She’s of the utmost importance."
He added: "Certain things in life can change your perspective on things. For me, ever since I had my daughter, the main thing on my mind has been to be a good example to her."
The "Dusk Till Dawn" artist continued: "There’s a certain point in adult life where everything is vague, and gray, and boring, and she’s brought that color back for me."
Malik and Hadid broke up in Fall 2021 amid reports of an alleged physical altercation between Malik and Hadid's mother, Yolanda (which Malik denied).
Now, it seems that the former couple are happily co-parenting Khai (as Gigi often gives us rare glimpses of the toddler on Instagram as well!)
