It was the argument heard ‘round West Hollywood. If you were online in 2018, you probably remember the grainy paparazzi footage of Madison Beer crying outside The Nice Guy. Standing across from her was Zack Bia, the man who somehow became the most influential person in Los Angeles without anyone really knowing what he does for a living.
They were the "it" couple of a very specific, high-glitz era of the LA social scene. She was the pop prodigy discovered by Justin Bieber; he was the USC student turned nightlife kingpin who counted Drake as a best friend. But behind the flashy Instagram stories and the front-row seats at Off-White fashion shows, things were messy.
Truly messy.
The Nightclub Romance That Defined an Era
Madison and Zack first started popping up on each other's feeds in late 2017 and early 2018. At the time, Madison was coming off a high-profile and admittedly traumatic breakup with Jack Gilinsky. Zack Bia was the ultimate rebound—not because he was a "nice guy," but because he was the center of the universe she lived in.
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Their relationship was a whirlwind of Delilah dinners and private jets. For a year, you couldn't see one without the other. However, the cracks showed early. They broke up in the summer of 2018 after that viral explosive fight, only to get back together by New Year’s Eve.
People who know the LA circuit say the dynamic was fueled by the high-pressure environment of the "scene." When your entire relationship happens in front of cameras or in VIP booths, it’s hard to build a foundation. Honestly, it seemed like they were more in love with the lifestyle than each other.
Why "Selfish" Changed Everything
By March 2019, it was officially over. Madison tweeted, "Single Madison thrives," and the internet exhaled. But the real tea came a year later when she released her hit song "Selfish."
You know the lyrics. "I bet you thought you gave me real love / But we spent it all in nightclubs."
It was a scathing indictment of a guy who couldn't put down his phone or leave the party. Fans immediately clocked it as a Zack Bia anthem. She sang about him being a Gemini—Zack’s birthday is June 9th. She sang about the "nightclubs"—Zack basically lives in them. It wasn't just a breakup song; it was a character study of the "LA cool guy" who is actually just emotionally unavailable.
The Olivia Rodrigo Connection
The plot thickened years later when Zack started dating Olivia Rodrigo. When Olivia released "Vampire," fans noticed striking similarities to Madison's "Selfish."
- The "Fame" Factor: Both songs describe a guy who uses girls for status.
- The Age Gap: Zack was 25 when he started seeing a 19-year-old Olivia.
- The Nightlife: Both singers mention the exhaustion of trying to keep up with his social calendar.
Madison even sent a "thank you" to Olivia on social media when "Selfish" started charting again after "Vampire" dropped. It was a rare moment of solidarity between two pop stars who had both been through the Zack Bia ringer.
Where Do They Stand in 2026?
You’d think they’d be sworn enemies. LA is small, but the ego is big. Surprisingly, the dust has settled.
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In a 2023 interview with GQ, Zack claimed that he and Madison are actually on good terms now. He said there’s "so much love there" and even claimed Madison apologized for the hate he got after "Selfish." Whether you believe that or not depends on how much you trust a guy whose job description is "socialite."
Madison has moved on significantly. She spent years in a much more stable relationship with Nick Austin and was recently linked to NFL star Justin Herbert. She seems to have traded the dark, loud corners of West Hollywood clubs for a life that’s a bit more grounded. Or at least, as grounded as you can be when you’re a global pop star.
What We Can Learn From the Drama
Watching the Madison and Zack saga feels like a cautionary tale about dating the "life of the party." It looks great in photos. The lighting is perfect. You get the best table in the house. But eventually, the lights come up and the music stops.
If you find yourself in a relationship where you feel like an accessory to someone else’s social life, take a page out of Madison’s book. It’s better to be "Single Madison" and thriving than to be the girl crying outside the club.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to understand the full emotional weight of this era, go back and listen to Madison’s Life Support album. It’s a raw look at the mental health struggles she faced during and after her time with Zack. Pay close attention to the lyrics in "Good in Goodbye"—it’s the final word on why some people are better left in the past.