Are Cody Simpson & Gigi Hadid Still Dating? Unpacking a Complicated Romance
For a time in the mid-2010s, Cody Simpson and Gigi Hadid were one of young Hollywood’s “It” couples: photogenic, stylish, and frequently making headlines with their public appearances. But their on-again, off-again romance left fans and the media alike puzzled. Even now, years after their final breakup, the question still lingers—just what happened between Gigi Hadid and Cody Simpson, and how did life under the spotlight affect the outcome?
A Timeline of Gigi Hadid and Cody Simpson’s Relationship
- Early 2013: Gigi and Cody meet when she stars in his music video “Surfboard.”
- Late 2013: Their romantic relationship begins quietly.
- 2014: The couple hits a rough patch, spends time apart.
- Late 2014: They reconcile and give their relationship another try.
- May 2015: They officially announce their breakup, citing their rapidly rising careers and the pressures of public life as main contributors.
How Did They Meet?
Like many celebrity love stories, Gigi Hadid and Cody Simpson’s relationship began with a creative collaboration. Gigi was cast to play Cody’s love interest in his music video for “Surfboard” in 2013. The chemistry onscreen quickly translated offscreen, and they began dating soon after shooting the video
At the time, both were on the brink of stardom—Cody was a rising Australian pop singer and Gigi was just beginning to break into elite fashion circles. Their mutual admiration and obvious connection made them instant media darlings.
Keeping Things Low-Key (At First)
Initially, Gigi and Cody tried to keep their relationship out of the spotlight. As Cody recounted, “For a while we just kind of kept it on the down-low while she was still trying to get started. Now she’s a supermodel.” Their early romance was marked by sweet Instagram posts and red carpet appearances, but it quickly became harder to avoid public scrutiny as their respective careers accelerated.
On and Off: The Strain of Fame
By 2014, their relationship experienced its first public bump. Both were young and facing new professional pressures; Gigi’s face became synonymous with a new generation of supermodels, while Cody’s music career called for touring and relentless self-promotion. They briefly split but reunited after a few months, suggesting a bond that was hard to entirely let go of.
Public Pressures and Private Struggles
Cody later admitted in interviews that constant media attention contributed to their relationship’s ups and downs. He described issues such as:
- Being followed by paparazzi whenever they went out together.
- Feeling like he was losing his own identity amidst the high-profile romance.
- The difficulty of nurturing a private relationship in a very public world.
“Going out to dinner and there being all this paparazzi and stuff… As soon as we split, I had the realization that I was straying away from who I was as a whole person. I want to keep it low-key and focus on my music.”
The Final Breakup: Mutual Respect, Separate Paths
After one final attempt at reconciliation, Cody and Gigi ended their relationship in May 2015. The split was confirmed by a statement released through Gigi’s representative: “Cody and Gigi want each other to be in a place right now that allows him to only focus on his music, fans, and new message, while she can focus and continue building her career. They love each other dearly and have split up in hopes that growing on their own paths will bring them together in the future.”
Both emphasized that the breakup was amicable and based on a desire for growth—professionally and personally. They continued to speak highly of one another in the press, with Cody even remarking, “I love my ex-girlfriend, I always will. It was an amicable, mutual decision, and we still talk every now and then.”
Why Was the Relationship So Confusing?
The core of the confusion stemmed from:
- Multiple breakups and attempts to get back together
- Conflicting rumors and ambiguous social media messaging
- Statements from both stars that left the door open to future reconciliation
- Media speculation and fan theories
At one point, both attended similar events separately, sparking ongoing rumors that they were “back together” or “still friends, but possibly more.” The intermittent nature of their public appearances fueled endless speculation and made it hard for fans to keep track of their true status.
The Impact of Their Romance on Their Careers
In hindsight, both Gigi Hadid and Cody Simpson acknowledged that their relationship—and its public unraveling—played a significant role in shaping how they approached work and romance in the future. Key lessons included:
- Personal growth: Each used the breakup as a turning point to refocus on their career and individuality.
- Boundaries: They learned about the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining privacy in the public eye.
- Media literacy: Both became more discerning about how and when to share personal news with fans.
Gigi’s subsequent relationships, particularly her long-term romance with Zayn Malik, would be far more guarded, while Cody’s interviews became noticeably more determined to spotlight his music rather than his personal life.
What Happened Next For Gigi Hadid?
After her relationship with Cody, Gigi Hadid continued her rapid ascent in the fashion world. She dated Joe Jonas later in 2015, and then started an on-and-off relationship with singer Zayn Malik. Gigi and Zayn became one of the most recognized celebrity couples, welcoming their daughter Khai in 2020. Gigi and Zayn’s relationship also weathered public turbulence and eventual separation, but they now co-parent their child together.
In recent years, Gigi has reportedly dated other high-profile figures, most notably actor Bradley Cooper. Her experience with public relationships seems to have made her more selective and private as she navigates life under the spotlight.
Where Is Cody Simpson Now?
Cody Simpson pivoted from worldwide pop appeal to focus more intently on his music and, surprisingly, competitive swimming for Australia. He has spoken about how his brush with celebrity culture changed his approach to fame. He’s reportedly content with life away from the relentless media glare, finding fulfillment in his athletic and musical pursuits.
Gigi Hadid and Cody Simpson: Relationship Table
| Time Period | Relationship Status | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2013 | Friends/Collaborators | Meet during “Surfboard” music video |
| Late 2013 – Early 2014 | Dating (Private) | Began low-key romance |
| 2014 | Breakup | Professional pressure, initial split |
| Late 2014 – May 2015 | Back Together | Reconciled; attended events together |
| May 2015 | Final Breakup | Announcement; focus on personal growth & career |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are Cody Simpson and Gigi Hadid still friends?
A: According to both parties, their breakup was amicable and they have remained friendly, occasionally keeping in touch and speaking positively about each other in press interviews.
Q: Why did Cody Simpson and Gigi Hadid break up?
A: The main factors were the pressures of public attention, rapidly growing careers, and the challenge of maintaining a private relationship amid celebrity scrutiny. Both wanted space to grow individually.
Q: Did Gigi Hadid ever date anyone after Cody Simpson?
A: Yes, Gigi dated Joe Jonas briefly after Cody and then had a long-term relationship with Zayn Malik, with whom she shares a daughter. She has also been linked to actor Bradley Cooper.
Q: Has Cody Simpson ever spoken about the relationship since the breakup?
A: Yes, Cody has expressed only positive sentiments, emphasizing mutual respect, and stating that he “will always love” Gigi, although he values privacy and personal growth above public romance.
The Lasting Legacy of Their Relationship
- For Fans: Gigi and Cody’s relationship remains a touchstone for the complexities of young love in the public eye—a reminder that even seemingly perfect couples can be undone by the realities of fame and ambition.
- For the Celebs: Both emerged from their romance with a clearer sense of self and a new approach to privacy.
- In Media: Their on-and-off dynamic set a template for how celebrity breakups are reported and discussed in the social media era.
Key Lessons From Gigi Hadid and Cody Simpson’s Romance
- Ambition can be a double-edged sword: Career success brings opportunity and fulfillment, but it also disrupts the regular rhythms of young love.
- Communication and boundaries matter: Navigating fame requires clear boundaries, honest communication, and shared respect for each other’s growth.
- The importance of personal space: Sometimes, love means letting go so both can thrive as individuals.
Sources
- Grazia Magazine, “A Look Back At Gigi Hadid’s Complete Dating History”
- Harper’s Bazaar, “Gigi Hadid’s Complete Dating History”
- Who Magazine, “Who is Gigi Hadid dating? Inside her relationship history”
- Wikipedia, “Gigi Hadid”
