Bella Hadid & The Weeknd: A Deep Dive Into Their Iconic On-Again, Off-Again Romance

Shanel Auer 09 Jul 2025

In the glittering world of Hollywood and pop culture, few relationships have captured public fascination quite like that of supermodel Bella Hadid and music sensation The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye. Their romance has been a captivating saga of passionate beginnings, dramatic splits, and hopeful reconciliations, earning them a spot among young Hollywood's hottest and most talked-about couples. Considering the on-and-off past between The Weeknd and Bella Hadid, it was often hard not to feel a reconciliation coming, a testament to the undeniable chemistry that seemed to pull them back together time and again. Here, we take a comprehensive look at their twisty journey, from their initial spark to their enduring connection that kept fans guessing for years.

The Genesis: From Coachella Flirting to Official Debut (2015-2016)

A Chance Encounter at Coachella (April 2015)

The story of Bella and Abel began, as many modern romances do, at a major cultural event: the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2015. It was amidst the desert vibes and musical performances that the two first crossed paths. What started as flirting quickly blossomed into something more substantial, marking the unofficial beginning of a relationship that would soon become a pop culture phenomenon. Their initial connection was reportedly low-key, allowing them to build a foundation away from the immediate glare of the paparazzi.

Going Public: Hand-in-Hand in NYC

While their relationship began in April, it wasn't until September 9, 2015, that Bella and The Weeknd made what many considered their official debut as a couple. Paparazzi caught them leaving the New York City nightclub Up and Down, hand in hand, a clear signal to the world that they were indeed an item. This public appearance coincided with New York Fashion Week, where they were subsequently spotted sitting together at various events, solidifying their status as a power couple. Their appearances together became more frequent, culminating in a memorable moment at the Met Gala on May 2, 2016. The couple attended the prestigious event, whose theme was "Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology," looking every bit the glamorous pair, further cementing their place in the celebrity firmament.

The First Hiatus (November 2016)

Despite their seemingly strong bond and high-profile appearances, the demanding schedules of a global superstar musician and an in-demand supermodel eventually took their toll. In November 2016, after dating for approximately a year and a half, Bella and Abel amicably decided to go their separate ways. The news came as a surprise to many fans who had grown accustomed to seeing them together. However, even after their initial breakup, their paths continued to cross. Notably, they had a reunion at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show later that year, where Bella walked the runway and The Weeknd performed. This encounter, though professional, hinted that the spark between them hadn't entirely faded, leaving the door open for future possibilities.

The Selena Gomez Interlude and Rekindled Flames (2017-2018)

A Brief Detour: The Selena Gomez Drama

The period following their first split saw Abel Tesfaye embark on a highly publicized relationship with singer Selena Gomez. This new romance, which began in early 2017, sent ripples through the media and among fans. For Bella, seeing her ex move on publicly was undoubtedly challenging. The Weeknd and Bella's reconciliation plans, it seemed, got a significant stroke when the latter was spotted kissing Selena Gomez in Santa Monica. This public display of affection led to Bella Hadid unfollowing Selena Gomez on social media, a clear sign of the emotional impact of the situation. This period highlighted the complexities of celebrity relationships, where personal lives play out under intense public scrutiny.

Back Together: Cannes and Beyond (2018)

Despite the Selena Gomez chapter, the magnetic pull between Bella and Abel proved too strong to ignore. By early 2018, rumors began circulating that the exes were spending time together again. The speculation reached a fever pitch at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2018. Although initial reports suggested they were merely friends, the duo was documented in a kiss at a Cannes party on Thursday night, unequivocally fueling speculation of a reunion. This kiss served as the undeniable confirmation that Bella Hadid and The Weeknd had gotten back together, marking their first major public display of affection since their 2016 split. Following their reunion at Cannes, the couple seemed to be going strong. Us Weekly even reported that they might be "hopping on the engagement train very soon," after three years of dating on and off, indicating a serious commitment. Every “Starboy” needs his very own star — and such was the case with Bella Hadid and The Weeknd!

Another Chapter Closes (2019) and Lingering Questions

The Second Split (August 2019)

Just as fans were hoping for wedding bells, the unpredictable nature of their relationship surfaced once more. Bella Hadid and The Weeknd broke up in August 2019, marking the second time the model and musician parted ways during their four-year relationship. This split, unlike some of their previous public moments, was reportedly more quiet, with sources suggesting it was due to distance and conflicting schedules. Despite the quiet nature of the breakup, it was clear that the on-again, off-again cycle continued to define their romance.

The 2020 Reunion Rumors and the "Starboy" Connection

Even after their August 2019 split, the connection between Bella and Abel remained a topic of intense speculation. J-14, among other outlets, continued to break down the whirlwind romance of Bella Hadid and The Weeknd, even mentioning a "latest reunion in 2020." While concrete details of this potential 2020 reunion were scarce, it underscored the enduring fascination with their relationship and the constant hope among fans that they would find their way back to each other for good. Their story truly embodies the idea that every "Starboy" needs his very own star, with Bella often seen as Abel's muse and constant companion through the highs and lows of his skyrocketing career.

Beyond the Headlines: Bella's Personal Journey

Bella's Battle with Lyme Disease

While her relationship with The Weeknd often dominated headlines, Bella Hadid has also been remarkably open about her personal struggles, particularly her battle with Lyme disease. This infection, caused by a tick bite, is treatable but can trigger severe health consequences. Bella's mother, Yolanda Hadid, also famously suffers from the condition. Bella's transparency about her health journey has provided a more personal dimension to her public persona, reminding fans that even celebrities face significant challenges beyond their glamorous careers and high-profile romances.

The relationship between Bella Hadid and The Weeknd is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about in recent pop culture history. From their initial flirtation at Coachella in 2015 to their multiple breakups and reconciliations, their journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, public scrutiny, and undeniable chemistry. They’ve endured their own unique challenges, including the Selena Gomez drama and the constant demands of their respective careers. While their current relationship status remains private, their story stands as a testament to a powerful connection that, despite its many twists and turns, has consistently drawn them back to each other. Their on-again, off-again romance has left an indelible mark on the landscape of celebrity relationships, proving that some stars are simply destined to shine together, even if only for a while.

Bella Hadid & The Weeknd Back Together After Breakup 2020 | StyleCaster

Bella Hadid and The Weeknd's Complete Relationship Timeline

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