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As US singer The Weeknd turned up to the American Music Awards swathed in bandages in November there was suggestion the Blinding Lights singer had succumbed to the plastic surgery movement. However, the 30-year-old singer has now revealed his bizarre appearance was all part of an elaborate stunt culminating in the unveiling of his 'new face' in his latest music video.
The freaky footage for Save Your Tears, sees the star sporting an incredibly chiselled and mask-like features to give them impression he'd gone under the knife. The newly released four-minute long pop video sees the star entertaining a crowd sporting Venetian masks.
A spotlight then turns on The Weeknd - real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye - who unleashes his pinned back eyes and swollen features in all their disturbing detail. Later in the video the singer gets a woman to press a gun to his forehead. He then takes the weapon and holds into his head on stage before pulling the trigger only for confetti to spill out.
ALSO READ: The Weeknd slams 'corrupt' Grammys after awards snub
The star is known for his thought-provoking and detailed music videos. He previously revealed that the dramatic video for smash hit Blinding Lights was to promote awareness of the dangers of drive driving.
"It's about how you want to see someone at night, and you're intoxicated and you're driving to this person and you're just blinded by streetlights. But nothing could stop you from trying to go and see that person, because you're so lonely," he told Esquire.
The star is thought to be currently single following the demise of some very high profile relationships. Abel wooed supermodel Bella Hadid in 2015 by first asking her to pose for his album artwork - she refused - and then treating her to a Yorkie named Hendrix.
ALSO READ: The Weeknd sued by British songwriters over song
His romantic gestures paid off as he and Bella made their red carpet debut at the 2016 Grammys but sadly split by the end of the year. The star then went public with new girlfriend Selena Gomez months later with the pair sharing loved-up selfies on their social media pages.
Following a whirlwind 10-month romance, the pair called it a day. The Weeknd then reconciled with Bella in 2018 with talk of them moving in together and an engagement. However, they split for a second time months later.
