Zayn Malik has returned to social media, breaking a month-long silence with a glimpse into his life as a devoted father. His post comes just days after ex-girlfriend Perrie Edwards described their past relationship as “toxic” in a candid interview.
The former One Direction star shared a series of photos with his four-year-old daughter, Khai, whom he co-parents with ex-partner Gigi Hadid. In the pictures, the 31-year-old singer appeared relaxed and content while spending summer days with Khai.
The carousel included moments from a monster truck rally and what appeared to be a fun beach outing, showcasing a lighter, more joyful side of Malik. Fans praised the update, which many had been waiting for, with some even referring to it as the “zelfie” they had been hoping to see.
Although Malik did not directly address Edwards’s remarks, the tone of his post suggested he is unbothered by her revelations and focused on family life. His calm display stood in contrast to the attention surrounding Edwards’ recent comments.
In her interview on the We Need to Talk podcast, Edwards reflected on her past with Malik. “It was a little bit toxic,” she admitted, noting that the relationship significantly influenced her perspective on dating. “Because it was my first relationship, I thought that was normal. Until I found real love in 2018, I did not know the difference.”
Edwards, who rose to fame as a member of Little Mix, has been in a long-term relationship with professional footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain since 2016. The couple shares a three-year-old son, Axel, and is now engaged.
Malik and Edwards began dating in 2011 when both were teenagers. They became engaged in 2013 but ended their relationship in 2015. The pressures of fame and the challenges of a young high-profile romance reportedly played a role in their split.
Since then, both artists have moved forward with their lives. Malik, who continues to make music while keeping a relatively private profile, has focused on fatherhood and maintaining an amicable co-parenting relationship with Hadid. Edwards, now 32, has spoken openly about her personal growth since those years, emphasizing how her experiences helped her recognize the value of healthy love.
While Edwards’ reflections sparked headlines, Malik’s latest update paints a picture of stability and peace. His decision to highlight family moments instead of addressing past controversies suggests that his focus is firmly on the present.