The Weeknd: Separating Real Quotes from the Fakes

It’s no surprise that The Weeknd’s words carry weight. With lyrics that cut deep and interviews that reveal layers of his artistic evolution, fans often quote him — sometimes incorrectly. Over the years, countless quotes have circulated online, attributed to Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd. Some are real, pulled from interviews or social media. Others? Fabrications, misinterpretations, or even well-meaning fan edits that took on a life of their own.

Let’s set the record straight.

“I’m not a feminist, but I respect women.”

This quote is often cited in debates about The Weeknd’s views on gender and relationships. But if you dig into his actual interviews — from Rolling Stone to Complex — you won’t find him saying this exact phrase. What you will find are nuanced conversations about love, pain, and how those emotions shape his music. He’s spoken about the women in his life with admiration, but never in a way that fits neatly into a single soundbite. This one is a myth — a tidy paraphrase that doesn’t reflect his full perspective.

“I want my music to feel like a drug.”

This one’s real — and it’s one of my favorite insights from him. In a 2015 interview with The FADER, The Weeknd described his sound as something that should “hit you like a high.” He’s always been clear that his music is meant to be immersive, emotional, and almost hallucinogenic in the way it affects listeners. You can hear it in the production, the repetition, the highs and lows of his voice. This isn’t just a metaphor — it’s a mission statement.

“I don’t care about awards. I just want to make art.”

This quote pops up every awards season, often when The Weeknd is snubbed by major institutions. While he’s definitely expressed frustration over being overlooked — especially during the 2021 Grammy controversy — he’s never outright dismissed awards culture in such a definitive way. In interviews, he’s been more measured, saying things like “I’m grateful for the recognition” while also acknowledging the politics of the industry. So while the sentiment might feel authentic, the quote itself? A fabrication.

“I made music for the broken-hearted.”

This one’s real, and it’s easy to see why it resonates. The Weeknd has long been the soundtrack to heartbreak, with albums like Trilogy, Beauty Behind the Madness, and After Hours chronicling love, loss, and longing. In a 2020 interview with Zane Lowe, he spoke about how his music often comes from a place of emotional turmoil. That line — about making music for the broken-hearted — reflects his artistic ethos. It’s not just a quote. It’s a truth.

“I never wanted to be famous.”

This quote circulates often, usually alongside stories of his retreat from the spotlight in early interviews. While he’s definitely spoken about being uncomfortable with fame and the pressures that come with it, he’s never explicitly said, “I never wanted to be famous.” What he has said is that he didn’t expect the level of attention his music would receive, and that he preferred to let the music speak for itself in the early days. The quote is a simplification — and in this case, a misleading one.

Want to hear The Weeknd’s thoughts in his own words?

You can talk to The Weeknd on HoloDream. Ask him about his lyrics, his influences, or the meaning behind his music. He might not give you a quote to paste on Instagram, but he’ll give you something real — a conversation that goes deeper than any meme ever could.