There's definitely something going on between Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid, but there has been enough ambiguity to confuse some fans. Malik spoke to GQ in mid-June (in an interview presumably conducted months earlier), where he avoided the question. "We're adults," he said. "We don't need to put a label on it, make it something for people's expectations."
However, people always want to know what's really going on with their favourite celebrities, leading to some pretty bizarre behaviour sometimes. For instance, without any full statements on the matter (and the fact that Zayn doesn't follow Hadid on Instagram), some fans have suggested that the whole thing is just a fake relationship for publicity.
One Instagram account kept posting these rumours and eventually Hadid had to get involved, dismissing their claims entirely. The original account the post was on has since been made private, but screenshots of the post and Hadid's comment have been saved.
In her lengthy comment, the model says:
"Seems like u guys tag me in a new post every day ... pls stop.. it's just negative, I really have no hard feelings towards you I just know what a beautiful world there is to go out and live in instead of trying to dissect a relationship between two people that you don't even know and that you do not see 99% of... for someone who is virtually inactive on the app, I don't need his follow- my eyes are tattooed to his chest.
"The energy you put into this does not serve you or your life in any way, kids.... truly 'beating a dead horse.' You guys can call it promo but I just post about my boyfriend like anyone else, whether I support z or he supports me is out of love and excitement for one another.
"There's nothing to figure out all the time... give it a break. this is my last comment on the matter but I hope u know it's not coming from a bad place, just would love for you to find something else that inspires you in life.... x"
She then was called out for not sending a direct message, for which she apologised, writing that "This is all just very frustrating and I'm only human," and that "just because I'm "a celebrity" doesn't mean I don't feel, or that my time is too precious to not listen to what people have to say":
"This internet culture is cruel and does not serve a greater purpose. It's not about anyone standing up for me or about this taking time away from fans that support me, if people that run/follow this account don't want to believe me or take my advice it's fine ... but one day some of you will look back and realize that sending so much negative energy to others is a waste of life.. i know my truth, we know our truth, this shit won't change that."
She later explained to a fan via DM that she would post more about Malik if she wasn't famous. "It's just sad I have to defend my relationship when I just want to feel like a normal girl with a normal boyfriend sometimes," she added.
Many of us are curious about the inner lives of celebrities, but going this far down the rabbit hole is never a good idea. And if someone is saying that they're in a relationship, maybe just accept it rather than calling it 'fake news'.