Abel Tesfaye, the man we all know as The Weeknd, has basically built a multi-billion dollar empire out of heartbreak. It’s kinda fascinating when you think about it. Most people go through a breakup and post a sad song on their Instagram story; Abel goes through a breakup and drops After Hours.
Because his music is so incredibly raw and specific, fans have spent the last decade obsessing over The Weeknd girlfriend list, trying to piece together which lyric belongs to which famous ex. Honestly, it’s like a puzzle. You hear a line about a girl with "eyes like a movie star" and suddenly the entire internet is playing detective. But if you actually look at the timeline, it’s not as crowded as the tabloids make it seem. He’s a serial monogamist, mostly.
The Bella Hadid Era (The One That Defined Everything)
If there is a "main character" in the story of Abel’s love life, it’s Bella Hadid. They met in 2015. He actually asked her to be on the artwork for Beauty Behind the Madness, she said no (initially), but they ended up hitting it off anyway.
It was a whirlwind.
They made their red carpet debut at the 2016 Grammys, looking like the ultimate power couple. But the thing about these two was the constant back-and-forth. They broke up in November 2016 because their schedules were just too chaotic. He was becoming the biggest pop star on the planet, and she was becoming the most sought-after supermodel.
Then came the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. You’ve definitely seen the clip. She’s walking the runway in silver lingerie, he’s performing "Starboy," and they lock eyes. It was pure cinema. Fans thought they were back on, but life got complicated.
They eventually reconciled in 2018. They were spotted in Cannes, then in New York, looking very much in love. But by August 2019, it was over again. The "distance" was the official reason, but if you listen to My Dear Melancholy, it sounds a lot more painful than a simple scheduling conflict. Bella is widely believed to be the muse behind hits like "Die For You" and "Save Your Tears."
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The Selena Gomez Interlude
This one shocked everyone. In January 2017, photos leaked of Abel and Selena Gomez kissing outside a restaurant in Santa Monica. The internet went into a full meltdown.
Why? Because Selena was part of "the squad," and Bella Hadid promptly unfollowed her on Instagram.
They were together for about ten months. They traveled to Italy. They went to the Met Gala. They even moved into a temporary apartment together in Greenwich Village while Selena was filming a movie. It felt serious. People really thought this was the new "it" couple that would last.
But then, Selena had her kidney transplant. Around the same time, she started being seen with her ex, Justin Bieber. By October 2017, Abel and Selena were done.
Interestingly, Abel’s song "Call Out My Name" has a lyric about almost cutting out a piece of himself for someone. Fans took that as a direct reference to Selena’s transplant. It’s dark, it’s moody, and it’s very Abel.
Who Else Has Been on the Radar?
Outside of the "Big Two," the The Weeknd girlfriend list gets a bit more speculative.
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Before he was famous, back in the "House of Balloons" era, Abel was with a girl named Alice Quiddington. She was there before the fame, before the Grammys, and before the plastic surgery-themed music videos. They broke up right as his career started to skyrocket.
Then there are the rumors.
- Rosalía: They did a remix of "Blinding Lights" together. The chemistry in the music video was off the charts, but it seems it was just strictly professional.
- Angelina Jolie: This was the one that broke the internet in 2021. They were spotted grabbing dinner at Giorgio Baldi in LA multiple times. Neither ever confirmed it. But in the song "Here We Go... Again," Abel sings about his "new girl" being a "movie star." You do the math.
- Simi Khadra: This is the most recent confirmed-ish relationship. Simi is a DJ and one half of the duo Simi Haze. They were seen kissing at his 32nd birthday party in 2022. Since then, they’ve been spotted everywhere from Coachella to Cannes. They seem low-key, which might be exactly what he needs after the high-profile drama of his mid-20s.
Why We Care So Much
It’s not just about the gossip. For fans of The Weeknd, his dating life is the "key" to his discography. When you know who he’s singing about, the songs change. They get heavier.
Trilogy was about the toxicity of Toronto nights and anonymous encounters.
Starboy was the "I’m famous now and I can have anyone" record.
After Hours was the "I messed up and I want her back" apology letter to Bella.
When you look at The Weeknd girlfriend list, you’re looking at a roadmap of his emotional maturity. Or lack thereof, depending on which album you're listening to. He’s transitioned from the "lonely starboy" to someone who seems a bit more settled with Simi Khadra.
The Evolution of the "Abel" Persona
It’s worth noting that Abel differentiates between "The Weeknd" (the character who does drugs and breaks hearts) and Abel Tesfaye (the guy who likes his dogs and stays home). He’s admitted in interviews that his public relationships often bleed into his art in ways that make him uncomfortable, yet he can't stop doing it.
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His relationship with Bella Hadid was iconic because they both represented the pinnacle of their respective industries. It was the "King and Queen of the Night." With Selena, it was a clash of two massive fanbases. With Simi, it feels more like an "insider" industry relationship.
What’s the Current Status?
As of early 2026, Abel and Simi Khadra are still the main focus of his personal life. They aren't the type to post cheesy anniversary photos on the grid. They’re more likely to be seen in the background of a friend's story or leaving a club at 3 AM.
Some fans still hold out hope for a Bella Hadid reunion. It’s the "Jelena" of the indie-R&B world. But honestly? They both seem to have moved into entirely different phases of life. Bella has been open about her health struggles and her need for peace, while Abel is busy transitioning into his "The Idol" era and film production.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the The Weeknd girlfriend list, don't trust every TikTok "blind item" you see. Here is how to actually track what's real:
- Check the Lyrics: Abel almost always drops clues about his current relationship status in his features. If he's featured on a Metro Boomin or Future track, listen for the "movie star" or "DJ" references.
- The Giorgio Baldi Rule: If he’s taking a girl to Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, it’s a date. That has been his go-to spot for every major relationship since 2015.
- Social Media Silence: Unlike other celebs, Abel usually goes quiet on social media when he’s in a happy relationship. If he’s posting cryptic, sad photos, he’s likely single and working on an album.
The reality is that Abel's love life will always be intertwined with his music. He doesn't just date; he "muses." Whether it’s a supermodel, a pop princess, or a fashion-forward DJ, each person on this list has played a part in shaping the sound of modern pop music. We might not like the heartbreak he goes through, but we definitely like the music it produces.
Keep an eye on his next project. If the rumors about him "killing off" The Weeknd persona are true, we might see a whole new side of his personal life emerge—one that is less about the "list" and more about the man behind the music.