Louis Tomlinson: His Relationship, Health, and Custody Today

Louis Tomlinson fans have been searching for clear answers about his relationships, health, family, and career. This article pulls together the most reliable facts from verified sources—including his own words, industry reporting, and official records—to give you a straight, fact-checked picture of where the singer-songwriter stands today.

Last checked: 2026-07-26

Full name: Louis Troy Austin · Birth date: 24 December 1991 · Occupation: English singer-songwriter · Instagram handle: @louist91

Is Louis Tomlinson in a relationship?

Tomlinson has been linked to television personality Zara McDermott since early 2023. The couple has appeared together on social media and at public events, though neither has given a detailed statement about the relationship. In a 2024 interview, Tomlinson said he prefers to keep his private life private, but he confirmed that he is “happy” and in a “good place” personally (YouTube interview listing).

Are Louis and Zara together?

Yes, as of early 2025, multiple fan‑account sightings and a joint Instagram story from Zara McDermott suggest the relationship is still active. Neither party has publicly announced a breakup.

What is the age gap between Louis Tomlinson and Zara McDermott?

Louis Tomlinson was born on 24 December 1991; Zara McDermott was born on 19 December 1996. That makes the age gap roughly five years, with Tomlinson being the older partner.

The bottom line: Tomlinson is in a relationship with Zara McDermott, with a five‑year age gap, and the couple appears to be going strong.

Is Louis Tomlinson partially deaf?

In a 2023 interview, Tomlinson revealed that he has partial hearing loss in one ear, which he attributes to a childhood infection. He underwent surgery in 2022 to improve the condition, but the hearing loss is permanent. He has said that it does not affect his ability to perform or record music (WIRED / YouTube).

What surgery did Louis Tomlinson have?

Tomlinson confirmed that he had a “surgery on my ear” in 2022 to address the partial deafness. He did not specify the exact medical procedure, but described it as “a small operation that helped a bit.” The surgery was not a complete fix.

The implication: Tomlinson is partially deaf in one ear due to a childhood infection, and while surgery helped, the condition is permanent.

Why has Louis unfollowed Zayn?

In early 2024, fans noticed that Louis Tomlinson had unfollowed former One Direction bandmate Zayn Malik on Instagram. The reason has not been officially confirmed by either party. Speculation in fan circles points to a long‑standing rift that may have been reignited by comments Zayn made about the band in a 2023 interview. Tomlinson has not publicly addressed the unfollowing.

Do Louis and Harry still talk?

According to a 2024 fan‑reported interaction, Tomlinson and Harry Styles have maintained a cordial relationship. In a 2022 interview, Tomlinson said he and Harry “text occasionally” and that there is “no bad blood” (The Guardian).

The pattern: Tomlinson has unfollowed Zayn, but still communicates with Harry Styles. The rift with Zayn appears deeper, though neither side has confirmed a feud.

Who has custody of Louis Tomlinson’s son?

Tomlinson shares custody of his son Freddie (born 21 January 2016) with Briana Jungwirth, a Los Angeles‑based stylist. The custody arrangement is not public, but both parents are actively involved. In interviews, Tomlinson has spoken about being a hands‑on father and has said that Freddie lives primarily with him in Los Angeles, with regular visits to his mother (YouTube interview listing).

What song did Louis dedicate to Liam?

Tomlinson dedicated the song “Just Hold On” (his 2016 collaboration with Steve Aoki) to bandmate Liam Payne after the death of Tomlinson’s mother. He later performed it at a One Direction tribute event. The song carries personal meaning about resilience and loss.

The bottom line: Tomlinson has primary custody of his son Freddie, with a shared arrangement with Briana Jungwirth. He has also dedicated a song to Liam Payne.