Zayn Malik Speaks Out About Gigi Hadid Dating Rumors After ‘Pillowtalk’ Video Release

Was Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid's steamy make out in the "Pillowtalk" music video genuine or all for show? A recent interview with the ex-boy band member suggests he and Hadid, 19, may be nothing more than exceptional actors.

While chatting with Zane Lowe of Apple Music's Beats 1 (via Us Weekly) Thursday, Malik, 23, was asked about his relationship status. The former One Direction member's answer left listeners a bit confused. He told Lowe he and the the model were close friends, after initially answering "yeah" to being "in a relationship."

"Yeah," he said. "We're good friends."

Malik released the video for "Pillowtalk," his first song as a solo artist, Thursday night. According to People magazine, the video was directed by Bouha Kazmi and features plenty of steamy moments between the rumored couple. Throughout the video Malik and Hadid are shown in peaceful times and a war zone.

Prior to the single's release, Malik was asked about the song while chatting with the Sunday Times. He told the magazine the song would be a complete departure from his squeaky clean boy band image, revealing that "Pillowtalk" was all about "dirty and raw" sex. He told the publication he felt it was "something people want to hear about," adding that he felt it was necessary to tackle the subject matter as it is such a "big part of life."

Malik and Hadid were first linked in November 2015 after being spotted out and about together on multiple occasions. At the time, sources told Us that the pair seemed "equally super into each other," adding that they were in constant contact via text message when they were apart. When initial reports surfaced, however, Malik and Hadid had only been hanging out for a short while. Prior to being linked to one another both were in serious relationships. Malik was engaged to Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards for quite some time before calling it off in August. Hadid was said to be dating former boy baner Joe Jonas until Nov. 4 when E! Online reported that they had broken up.

The video for "Pillowtalk" is available on Malik's Vevo page. The song can be purchased on iTunes.