Zayn Malik Admits Gigi Hadid Called Him Out for Giving Their Daughter $500 from the Tooth Fairy
Zayn Malik is opening up about fatherhood, co-parenting with Gigi Hadid, and the emotional reasons behind a very generous tooth fairy moment. During a recent podcast appearance, the former One Direction star shared that he gave his daughter Khai $500 for her first lost tooth.
While he felt proud to do it, he admitted that Gigi Hadid was not exactly impressed.
Here is everything he revealed about the parenting moment that has fans talking, along with what he shared about his upbringing, his relationship with Gigi, and what life looks like now.
Zayn Malik Opens Up on Call Her Daddy
While appearing on the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” hosted by Alex Cooper, Zayn Malik got candid about raising his five-year-old daughter, Khai. Malik shares Khai with supermodel Gigi Hadid. The former couple dated on and off from 2015 to 2021 and welcomed their daughter in 2020.
Malik, who first rose to global fame as a member of One Direction, explained that being able to provide for his daughter means everything to him. Growing up in Bradford, West Yorkshire, he experienced financial instability and food insecurity. Because of that, he says being able to give Khai a different kind of childhood feels deeply personal.
Still, when it came to her first visit from the tooth fairy, he may have gone a bit overboard.
The $500 Tooth Fairy Surprise
Malik admitted that he gave Khai $500 when she lost her first tooth. When podcast host Alex Cooper reacted with shock, he stood by his decision.
“I think I gave her a bit too much money from the tooth fairy,” Malik said.
He then revealed the exact amount, which was $500.
Cooper could not believe it. But Malik explained why he felt justified.
“It’s her first tooth. And her mom gave me s** about it. And I was like, at the end of the day, like, I work my ass off. And like, I should be able to give my kid what I want to give her, you know?”
The moment quickly sparked conversation online. Many parents could relate to the debate about how much is too much when it comes to spoiling your child. Others pointed out that for someone with Malik’s level of success, $500 may not feel the same as it would for the average family.
Why Providing for His Daughter Means So Much
For Malik, the gesture was not just about money. It was about rewriting his own childhood narrative.
Born to a Pakistani British father and a British mother, Malik was raised in a working-class household in Bradford. He has spoken before about the challenges he faced growing up, including food insecurity and the stigma that came with it.
During the interview, he reflected on how meaningful it is to raise Khai without those same struggles.
“Even to the degree that, like, you know, I’m raising her in an environment that, you know, isn’t the same as everybody’s, he said. Her dad is a pop star. Her mom is a model. And certain things that she does in life might not, you know, always reflect what other people’s understanding of reality is.”
He acknowledged that Khai’s life is far from typical. But he also made it clear that he wants her to feel secure, supported, and loved in every way possible.
Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid’s Relationship Timeline
Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid first sparked dating rumors in November 2015. They confirmed their relationship in early 2016 when Hadid appeared in Malik’s “Pillowtalk” music video.
Over the next several years, the couple dated on and off. In September 2020, they welcomed their daughter Khai.
However, they officially split in October 2021. The breakup followed allegations that Malik assaulted Hadid’s mother, Yolanda. Malik denied the accusations at the time and released a statement saying:
“For the sake of my daughter, I decline to give any further details, and I hope that Yolanda will reconsider her false allegations and move towards healing these family issues in private.”
Since their split, both Malik and Hadid have focused on co-parenting their daughter.
Malik Says He Was Not In Love
In another surprising moment during the podcast, Malik spoke about his feelings during the relationship. While he expressed deep respect for Hadid, he admitted that he did not believe he was truly in love at the time.
“I will always love G because she is the reason my child is on this earth, and I have the utmost respect for her, he said. But I don’t think I was in love with her at that point, otherwise I would have been a better version of myself.”
The statement added a new layer to how fans view their past relationship. It also showed a level of self-reflection from the singer.
Life After the Spotlight and New Music
After the highly publicized split, Malik stepped back from the spotlight. He kept a relatively low profile for several years.
He returned in 2024 with his fourth solo studio album, Room Under the Stairs. The project marked a new creative chapter for the artist, who has continued to evolve since leaving One Direction in 2015.
Just recently, he also announced an upcoming album titled KONNAKOL, signaling that he is fully back in music mode.
While fans are excited about the new era, it is clear that fatherhood remains his top priority. Whether it is through generous tooth fairy gifts or thoughtful reflections on his past, Malik continues to show that being a dad is one role he takes very seriously.
Summary:
- Zayn Malik revealed he gave his daughter Khai $500 for her first lost tooth.
- He shared the story during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast with Alex Cooper.
- Malik admitted that Gigi Hadid “gave me s*** about it” after finding out how much he gave.
- He defended his decision, saying he works hard and should be able to give his child what he wants.
- Malik explained that growing up with financial instability in Bradford shaped his desire to provide a different life for his daughter.
- He acknowledged that Khai’s upbringing is not typical since her dad is a pop star and her mom is a supermodel.
- Malik also shared that while he will always love Hadid, he does not believe he was truly in love during their relationship.
- The former One Direction member has returned to music with his 2024 album Room Under the Stairs and has announced a new project titled KONNAKOL.
