Zayn Malik’s Strict Stance on Introducing New Partners to Daughter Khai
Former One Direction star Zayn Malik has opened up about his deeply considered approach to fatherhood, particularly concerning his young daughter, Khai. In a candid interview, Malik revealed a stringent personal rule he adheres to when it comes to introducing potential romantic partners to his five-year-old, whom he shares with supermodel ex-partner Gigi Hadid.
Malik, who is currently navigating the dating scene as a single father, emphasised that he would only consider introducing a new girlfriend to Khai once the relationship had reached a significant level of seriousness. He expressed his reservations about the potential emotional toll on his daughter should a romance not last.
A Thoughtful Approach to Love and Family
Speaking on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast with host Alex Cooper, Malik elaborated on his philosophy. “I think I would have to be really serious about that woman, and maybe plan on marrying her before she’d be introduced to my daughter,” he stated. This, he explained, stems from a desire to avoid putting undue pressure on Khai or any potential partner.
“I feel like it’s a lot of pressure, call me old school but, I wouldn’t ever want to put that pressure on someone else either,” Malik added. He painted a picture of the difficult situation that could arise if a relationship were to falter after a bond had formed. “Like, meet my daughter, have a relationship with her and then it doesn’t work out between me and you… You’ve gone somewhere and you have this relationship with my daughter then she won’t see you again. Kinda sucks, you know? I wouldn’t want to put her through that.”
This thoughtful approach underscores Malik’s commitment to prioritising Khai’s emotional well-being above all else. The singer, who parted ways with Gigi Hadid in 2021 after a six-year relationship, is clearly invested in creating a stable and secure environment for his child.
Generosity and the Tooth Fairy: A £500 Surprise
Beyond his dating philosophy, Malik also provided a rare glimpse into the everyday joys and occasional indulgences of fatherhood. He recounted a particularly memorable moment when Khai lost her first tooth. In a gesture of generous celebration, Malik gifted his daughter a substantial £500 from the Tooth Fairy.
Gigi Hadid, it seems, was less than impressed with this princely sum. Malik admitted that Khai’s mother “gave me s*** about it,” but he defended his actions, highlighting his hard work and desire to provide for his child.
“I’m raising her in an environment that isn’t the same as everybody’s, her dad is a pop star and her mum is a model and certain things that she does in life might not reflect what other people’s understanding of reality is,” Malik explained. “So I think I gave her a bit too much money from the tooth fairy – £500. It’s her first tooth and her mum gave me s about it but at the end of the day I work my a off and I should be able to give my kid what I want to give her.”
The revelation prompted a surprised reaction from podcast host Alex Cooper, who exclaimed, “Hold on, I may have to agree with her mum on this. £500 for one tooth! That’s so crazy, but also everyone is going to be so jealous right now.”
Malik, however, stood firm, attributing his generosity to his own upbringing and a desire to offer Khai experiences he may not have had. “She’s my first kid, give me a break somebody please,” he pleaded. “People in general look at it a certain way but at the end of the day I was lucky if I got anything for my teeth and I’ve worked really hard for everything I have earned so I don’t feel like I have to answer for them things.” He further reflected, “There’s definitely a feeling of ‘I didn’t get to do this so I want you to be able to feel this’. I over compensate a little bit too much for that.”
Future Aspirations: K-Pop Dreams
Looking ahead, Malik shared Khai’s burgeoning aspirations, revealing that his daughter harbours dreams of becoming a K-pop star. While he expressed a desire to shield her from the intense pressures of the entertainment industry, his ultimate priority remains her happiness.
“Honestly I just hope that she gets to do in life what she wishes to do and she’s happy,” Malik stated. “She definitely wants to be a K-pop star, she’s big into K-pop. I’d like to keep her away from it but at the end of the day if she’s happy, I’ll support her.”
This sentiment highlights Malik’s evolution as a father, balancing his own experiences and concerns with an unwavering commitment to fostering his daughter’s dreams, whatever they may be. His insights offer a refreshingly honest look at the challenges and profound rewards of modern fatherhood in the public eye.
