The Unforgettable Saga: 7 Key Moments In Bella Hadid And The Weeknd's On-Again, Off-Again Romance

The tumultuous and highly-publicized relationship between supermodel Bella Hadid and music superstar The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) remains one of Hollywood's most captivating celebrity romances, even years after their final split. As of December 2025, both stars have firmly moved on, establishing new, private relationships and focusing on major career milestones, yet the four-year saga of their on-again, off-again love continues to fascinate fans and media alike. This deep dive uncovers the dramatic timeline of their connection, the reasons behind their multiple breakups, and where the two global icons stand today.

The intensity of the "Bella and Abel" dynamic was defined by high-profile red carpet appearances, emotional song dedications, and dramatic public run-ins that fueled endless speculation. Their journey, which began in 2015, was a masterclass in the pressures of dating in the spotlight, where demanding schedules, global tours, and modeling commitments ultimately proved too much for the passionate young couple to sustain.

Complete Biography Profiles: Bella Hadid and The Weeknd

To truly understand the magnitude of their relationship, one must first look at the individual star power each brought to the table. Both Bella Hadid and Abel Tesfaye are titans in their respective industries, with careers that demand constant global travel and intense public scrutiny.

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Isabella Khair "Bella" Hadid

• Full Name: Isabella Khair Hadid
• Born: October 9, 1996, in Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Parents: Yolanda Hadid (television personality) and Mohamed Hadid (real estate developer)
• Siblings: Gigi Hadid (older sister, model), Anwar Hadid (younger brother)
• Career Highlights: Bella Hadid began her professional modeling career in 2014 and quickly rose to prominence. She was voted "Model of the Year" by Model.com in 2016. She is a long-time face of the luxury fashion house Dior and has appeared on over 35 international Vogue covers. Her work spans high fashion, runway, and major advertising campaigns, establishing her as one of the world's most sought-after supermodels.

Abel Makkonen "The Weeknd" Tesfaye

• Full Name: Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
• Born: February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Parents: Makkonen and Samra Tesfaye (Ethiopian immigrants)
• Career Highlights: Known professionally as The Weeknd, he is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and record producer. He gained recognition for his unique sound blending R&B, pop, and hip-hop. His discography includes hit albums like Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy, and After Hours. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and has headlined the Super Bowl Halftime Show. In 2025, he is set to star in and produce the psychological thriller film Hurry Up Tomorrow, alongside his new album of the same name.

The Turbulent Timeline: A Chronology of Bella and Abel

The narrative of Bella Hadid and The Weeknd is one of magnetic attraction repeatedly clashing with the realities of their global careers. Their relationship was characterized by three distinct periods of dating, separated by major, high-profile breakups.

1. The First Spark and Split (April 2015 – November 2016)

The couple first connected in April 2015 when The Weeknd reportedly reached out to Bella to appear in the artwork for his album, Beauty Behind the Madness, though she declined. They were soon spotted together at Coachella, sparking initial dating rumors. Their relationship quickly escalated, with Bella appearing in the music video for his hit song "In the Night" later that year. Their first major public appearance as a couple was at the 2016 Grammy Awards, where The Weeknd won two awards.

The most iconic moment of this period came in November 2016, just after their first breakup. Despite ending their relationship due to their demanding schedules, they had a famously awkward yet charged reunion on the runway of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris. Bella was walking, and The Weeknd was performing his hit single, "Starboy." The moment—a lingering gaze on the runway—became instantly viral, solidifying their status as a dramatic celebrity pair.

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2. The Interlude and Reunion (Early 2017 – Summer 2018)

Following their initial split, The Weeknd began a high-profile, 10-month relationship with singer and actress Selena Gomez in January 2017. This period was a significant chapter in the overall saga, as Bella and Abel maintained their distance, though fans constantly hoped for a reunion.

By late 2017, The Weeknd and Gomez had broken up. Over the following months, Bella and Abel were spotted together on numerous occasions, including at Coachella in April 2018 and later in Cannes. By the summer of 2018, sources confirmed they were officially back together, often seen vacationing in Europe and attending events like the Met Gala, where their chemistry was undeniable.

3. The Final Split (August 2019)

Their second attempt at a committed relationship lasted for over a year, but the same fundamental issue resurfaced: distance and scheduling conflicts. In August 2019, reports confirmed that Bella and The Weeknd had broken up for the final time. Sources indicated that the geographical distance, with Bella based primarily in New York for modeling and The Weeknd traveling globally for music and recording, had once again made it impossible to maintain a steady relationship.

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The finality of this breakup seemed more concrete than the previous one, as both stars retreated from the public eye regarding their romantic lives, choosing to focus intensely on their careers and personal well-being.

Where Are They Now? Bella and The Weeknd in 2025

The most current information, as of late 2025, confirms that both Bella Hadid and The Weeknd are thriving in separate orbits, with new relationships and major professional undertakings defining their present lives.

Bella Hadid's New Chapter with Adan Banuelos

Bella Hadid has found a new, quieter, and seemingly more grounded life away from the high-stress fashion capitals. She has largely relocated to Texas, embracing a passion for equestrianism and horses, a hobby she shared with her mother, Yolanda Hadid. Her current partner is professional equestrian and horse trainer, Adan Banuelos.

Their relationship began in late 2023 and was made official on Valentine's Day 2024 via Instagram, marking a significant and public shift in Bella's romantic life. Banuelos is a highly respected figure in the cutting horse world, offering Bella a relationship rooted in a shared, non-Hollywood interest. This new chapter highlights Bella's desire for privacy and a connection to nature and a more traditional lifestyle, a stark contrast to the glitz of her past celebrity romances.

The Weeknd's Focus on Film, Music, and Simi Khadra

Abel Tesfaye, meanwhile, is entering a massive new phase of his career, transitioning further into the film industry. His highly anticipated psychological thriller, Hurry Up Tomorrow, is set for a 2025 release, coinciding with a new album and a promised "new tour" for 2025/2026. This period marks a major creative and professional pivot for the artist.

Regarding his personal life, The Weeknd has been quietly linked to DJ and entrepreneur Simi Khadra (one half of the DJ duo Simi & Haze) since early 2022. While they maintain an extremely private relationship, they have been spotted together at high-profile events, including the Grammys, suggesting a steady, low-key partnership. Unlike his time with Bella, The Weeknd has successfully kept this relationship out of the intense media spotlight, prioritizing his privacy while focusing on his ambitious projects.

The Legacy of the "Starboy" Romance

The enduring fascination with Bella Hadid and The Weeknd’s romance stems from its dramatic, cinematic quality. It was a relationship that mirrored the high-octane energy of their respective careers—a beautiful supermodel and a brooding music icon, constantly separated by the demands of fame only to be drawn back together. Their story serves as a potent reminder of the unique challenges faced by celebrity power couples, where the need for privacy and stability often loses the battle against global stardom.

While the "Bella and Abel" chapter is definitively closed, its influence on pop culture and the celebrity relationship landscape remains significant. Today, both stars have found stability and success on their own terms, proving that sometimes the final split is the necessary step toward finding individual happiness and professional fulfillment.