You remember 2016. It was the year of "Bad Things." You couldn't walk into a CVS or turn on a car radio without hearing that interpolating Fastball hook. Machine Gun Kelly and Camila Cabello were suddenly everywhere, fueling a massive wave of speculation. Were they dating? Was it a PR stunt?
Honestly, the chemistry in that music video was palpable. It looked real. People wanted it to be real. But looking back from 2026, the narrative around their "relationship" has shifted significantly from the tabloid frenzy of a decade ago.
The "Bad Things" Era: More Than Just a Song
When "Bad Things" dropped in October 2016, it was a pivotal moment for both artists. For Camila, it was her second major foray into solo territory while still technically tethered to Fifth Harmony. For MGK—then primarily known as a high-energy rapper from Cleveland—it was his bridge into the mainstream pop world.
The song peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It wasn't just a hit; it was a cultural reset for their respective images.
- The Bonnie and Clyde Narrative: The music video, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, portrayed them as a pair of star-crossed outlaws. They were stealing, racing cars, and leaning into a gritty, "us against the world" aesthetic.
- The Chemistry: Their live performances on The Tonight Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show were intense. They had a way of looking at each other that made fans certain something was happening behind the scenes.
- The Timing: Camila was just about to announce her departure from Fifth Harmony. The "bad girl" image in the video helped her pivot away from the manufactured girl-group persona.
Did They Actually Date?
The short answer? No. At least, nothing was ever confirmed.
In interviews at the time, they both played it incredibly cool. MGK often referred to Camila as a "genius" and a "special soul," but he kept the professional boundaries clear. Camila was equally complimentary, focusing on the creative synergy.
Fans pointed to their shared love of Nickelback (yes, really) and their goofy Facetime calls during production as evidence of a deeper bond. But while they shared a genuine friendship and a "musical soulmate" connection, the romantic rumors remained just that: rumors.
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Where They Are Now: A 2026 Perspective
A lot has changed in ten years. Machine Gun Kelly has essentially dropped the "Machine Gun" and goes by mgk now. He’s transitioned from rap to pop-punk and back again, even recently lecturing at Harvard Business School. He's also navigated a high-profile, tumultuous relationship with Megan Fox, with whom he shares a daughter, Saga Blade, born in 2025.
Camila Cabello, meanwhile, has cemented herself as a global pop powerhouse. She moved through the Shawn Mendes era, experimented with different genres, and has consistently stayed at the top of the charts.
The "Bad Things" era feels like a fever dream now, but it was the foundation.
Why the Rumors Persistented
Tabloids love a "rebel meets the pop princess" story. It’s a classic trope. MGK was the tattooed "bad boy" and Camila was the "sweetheart" breaking free. It was the perfect storm for engagement.
Furthermore, the industry in 2016 was heavily reliant on "shipping" culture to drive streams. Whether or not it was a deliberate PR move, the ambiguity served both of their careers. It kept them in the headlines during a crucial transitional phase.
The Legacy of the Collaboration
"Bad Things" is now 5x Platinum. It’s more than just a nostalgic throwback. It represents a moment in pop history where the lines between rap and pop started to blur in a way that felt authentic to the "moody" teen culture of the late 2010s.
If you’re looking for a romantic ending to the Machine Gun Kelly and Camila Cabello story, you won’t find it in a marriage certificate or a long-term dating history. You’ll find it in the music. They proved that two artists from completely different worlds could create a Top 5 hit that still holds up on throwback playlists today.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you're tracking the trajectory of artists like mgk and Camila, here's what you can actually do to stay updated:
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- Follow the Evolution: Watch the "Bad Things" video and then watch mgk’s recent "Lonely Road" or Camila’s latest performances. The growth in stage presence is a masterclass in artist development.
- Understand the Sampling Trend: "Bad Things" sampled Fastball's "Out of My Head." If you're a creator, look at how they modernized a 90s hit. It’s a strategy that is still dominating the charts in 2026.
- Check Recent Credits: Often, artists collaborate behind the scenes on songwriting without being featured performers. Keep an eye on liner notes for 2025 and 2026 releases; these two still move in similar industry circles.
The "Bad Things" chapter is closed, but its impact on their careers—and the pop landscape—is permanent.