The Weeknd's Heartbreak: 5 Shocking Things Selena Gomez Has Said About Their Intense Relationship

The whirlwind romance between Selena Gomez and The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, remains one of the most talked-about celebrity pairings of the last decade. Despite their relationship lasting less than a year in 2017, its impact on pop culture and, more significantly, on their respective discographies, is still felt today. As of December 18, 2025, the latest updates confirm both stars are focused on their careers, with Gomez recently shutting down persistent rumors about her music being a direct reference to her former beau. This deep dive explores the full story, from their unexpected coupling to the lasting musical legacy it created. The couple, affectionately dubbed "Abelena" by fans, was a fixture of early 2017, making headlines with every public appearance. Their relationship was a pivotal moment for both artists, marking a new, more public chapter in their personal lives. While the romance may be over, the curiosity surrounding what Selena has said about Abel and the emotional fallout captured in his music continues to drive fan interest.

The Comprehensive Profiles of Selena Gomez and The Weeknd

To truly understand the dynamic of their high-profile relationship, it's essential to look at the careers and personal lives of the two global superstars.

Selena Gomez (Selena Marie Gomez)

• Born: July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Actress, Producer, Businesswoman.
• Career Highlights: Gained fame on Disney Channel's *Wizards of Waverly Place*. She is a Grammy-nominated musician with hits like "Lose You to Love Me" and "Come & Get It." She is also the founder of the Rare Beauty cosmetics line and a producer of the series *13 Reasons Why* and a star of *Only Murders in the Building*.
• Key Relationships: Most notably dated Justin Bieber on and off for years, and The Weeknd in 2017.
• Health: She has been open about her struggles with Lupus, which led to a kidney transplant in 2017, and her journey with bipolar disorder.

The Weeknd (Abel Makkonen Tesfaye)

• Born: February 16, 1990, in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor.
• Career Highlights: Known for his dark, genre-blending music, he is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His hits include "Blinding Lights," "The Hills," and "Starboy." He has won multiple Grammy Awards and is known for his elaborate, cinematic music videos and alter-egos.
• Key Relationships: Famously dated model Bella Hadid on and off before and after his relationship with Selena Gomez.
• Recent Work: Starred in and co-created the controversial HBO series *The Idol* and continues to release critically acclaimed music.

The Unexpected Romance: Selena Gomez and The Weeknd Relationship Timeline

The coupling of a Disney darling and an alternative R&B star was a genuine surprise to many fans and media outlets. The first public sighting of the two was in January 2017, when they were photographed kissing outside a restaurant in Santa Monica, California. This came shortly after The Weeknd's split from his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Bella Hadid. The relationship quickly escalated into a high-profile affair, with the two traveling the world together, from Italy to Brazil. A major milestone for the couple was their official red carpet debut at the 2017 Met Gala in May. They walked the carpet hand-in-hand, confirming their status as one of Hollywood's new power couples. Gomez, who was 24 at the time, spoke openly about the relationship, stating she "loves tremendously big" and gives everything to her relationships. She also revealed that she went public with the romance because she was tired of hiding. The relationship seemed to be going strong throughout the summer, with Gomez even gushing about Abel, calling him her "best friend" and praising his support during her recovery from a kidney transplant.

The Heartbreak: Why Selena Gomez and The Weeknd Broke Up

By October 2017, the relationship had run its course. The news of their split was quickly followed by reports that Gomez was spending time with her ex, Justin Bieber.

1. The Official Reason: Scheduling Conflicts

The initial reports suggested the breakup was amicable and primarily due to their demanding schedules. The Weeknd was on his "Starboy: Legend of the Fall" world tour, while Selena was juggling her acting and music career alongside her health issues. The distance and busy careers reportedly made it too difficult to maintain the relationship.

2. The Amicable Breakup: "Best Friends"

Selena herself offered a mature and positive perspective on the split. In an interview with *Billboard* following the breakup, she stated, "We ended it as best friends, and it was genuinely about encouraging and caring [for each other]." This comment suggested a mutual respect that transcended the romantic aspect of their relationship. She emphasized the genuine care they had for one another, painting the picture of a supportive, albeit short-lived, partnership.

3. The Justin Bieber Factor

The timing of the breakup—immediately followed by Gomez being photographed with Justin Bieber—fueled speculation that her reunion with her former flame was the real reason for the split. While Selena's team maintained the breakup was independent of Bieber, the narrative of "Jelena" rekindling their romance overshadowed the end of "Abelena."

The Musical Legacy: The Weeknd's Songs About Selena Gomez

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of their nine-month relationship is the music it inspired. Following the split, The Weeknd released his six-track EP, *My Dear Melancholy,* in March 2018. The album is widely considered a direct, raw, and emotional response to his breakups with both Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez. The lyrics in several songs are so specific that they leave little doubt about who they are referencing.

4. "Call Out My Name"

This song is the most frequently cited track about Selena Gomez. The lyrics appear to reference her kidney transplant, a major event that happened during their relationship: "I said I didn't feel nothing, baby, but I lied / I almost cut a piece of myself for your life." Fans interpreted this line as The Weeknd considering donating a kidney to Gomez, though this was never officially confirmed. The song’s overall tone is one of pain and feeling used, suggesting he helped her out of a "broken place" only to have her return to her ex.

5. "Privilege"

The track "Privilege" delves into the emotional aftermath of the relationship, with lyrics that explore the difficulty of moving on and the regret of the breakup. The lines "Enjoy your privileged life / 'Cause I'm not gonna hold you through the night" and "I got my mind on your body and your body on my mind" suggest a lingering attachment and a sense of resentment over the ease with which his ex seemed to transition to a new phase.

6. "I Was Never There"

This song is often seen as a reflection on the lack of emotional depth in the relationship, with Abel feeling like an emotional placeholder. The title itself, "I Was Never There," implies a feeling of being erased or that the relationship was ultimately insignificant to the other party.

The Current Perspective: Selena Gomez on The Weeknd in 2024

Years later, both artists have moved on, but the public's fascination with their past remains strong. In 2024, the most significant update regarding Selena Gomez and The Weeknd came when Gomez released her song "Single Soon." The track, an upbeat anthem about anticipating a breakup and enjoying single life, immediately sparked speculation that it was a subtle message to Abel Tesfaye or another one of her high-profile exes. However, Selena Gomez quickly shut down the hearsay. She took to social media to directly address the rumors, stating that the breakup tune was not about The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye. Her clear and concise denial helps solidify the fact that their relationship is a chapter that has been fully closed and processed. Today, The Weeknd is reportedly dating Simi Khadra, while Selena Gomez recently confirmed her relationship with music producer Benny Blanco. The fact that both stars are in new, serious relationships reinforces the finality of the "Abelena" chapter. Their 2017 romance remains a fascinating case study in celebrity relationships—a short, intense affair that left an indelible mark on music history, proving that even a brief love story can inspire a timeless heartbreak album.