Zayn Malik on How Daughter Khai With Gigi Hadid Changed His Life

As Zayn Malik teases his musical comeback, Call Her Daddy‘s Alex Cooper snagged the first sit-down interview with the singer in years. In a teaser for tomorrow’s episode, Malik spoke candidly about why his two-year-old daughter with ex-girlfriend Gigi Hadid led him to speak publicly again.

“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.’”

He was later asked what dad qualities he has now. “I keep being told I’m telling dad jokes,” Malik said. “And I’m leaning into it. I’m just like, ‘It’s okay. It’s cool.’ People just look at me like I’m a weirdo, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m a dad; I’m allowed to tell these jokes now.’ 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 for sure.”

Hadid addressed her co-parenting relationship with Malik in March. The couple broke up for good in October 2021.

The model gave advice on co-parenting arrangements, saying, “Just keeping the importance of the child’s happiness at the forefront. You have a long life alongside this person.” She revealed that she schedules her work commitments “when Khai is with her dad. That she can be with both parents makes me very happy.”

Senior News and Strategy Editor

Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.