Zayn Malik got accused of catfishing after trying to use Tinder
Zayn Malik has opened up about the hardships of online dating due to accusations of catfishing from other users.
In an interview for Nylon magazine‘s May cover story, the former One Direction singer recalled his failed attempts at using the dating app Tinder because people didn't believe that he was the real Zayn Malik.
"It’s not been too successful for me, I’ll be honest. Everyone accused me of catfishing. They’re like, 'What are you using Zayn Malik’s pictures for?'" Malik said.
It even got to a point where he was "kicked off once or twice" because of this.
After one too many disastrous efforts, Malik eventually moved on from trying to meet people on apps and is satisfied with being single.
"I’m really content and happy with being single for the first time in my life," he shared.
The British singer and songwriter was known to have dated fellow music artist Perrie Edwards of the group Little Mix in 2011 and became engaged to her in 2013. However, the flames of their romance eventually fizzled out come 2015.
Afterward, he began an on-and-off relationship with model Gigi Hadid in that same year and welcomed their daughter Khai in 2020. However, the couple ended their relationship the following year due to allegations of harassment on Malik's side.
Reflecting on his dating life, Malik told the magazine, "From 17 to 21, I was in a relationship. I was engaged and [planned to get] married and I didn’t know anything about anything at that point."
"I thought I did, because I was 21. I was legally allowed to do everything, but I didn’t know sh*t," he continued, "From 21 to 27, I was with Gi, and we had a kid, and I didn’t really take much time to get to know myself."
Malik said that he is now taking things slow when it comes to his dating life, stressing, "It’s probably wise to take your time before you fully invest in another human being as a lifelong partner.
As for his daughter, the singer shared, "I only have my daughter 50% of the time. I would have her 90% if I could. We go see Disney on Ice or we go see the Nickelodeon theme park. Or we go to the beach. That’s how I get out."
Malik rose to fame when he was chosen to form the five-piece boy band One Direction along with Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson. The group went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands of all time.
He left the group in March 2015 shortly before the group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.